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Sudoku for Beginners: How to Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills

Are you a beginner when it comes to solving Sudoku puzzles? Do you find yourself frustrated and unsure of where to start? Fear not, as we have compiled a comprehensive guide on how to improve your problem-solving skills through Sudoku.

Understanding the Basics of Sudoku

Before we dive into the strategies and techniques, let’s first understand the basics of Sudoku. A Sudoku puzzle is a 9×9 grid that is divided into nine smaller 3×3 grids. The objective is to fill in each row, column, and smaller grid with numbers 1-9 without repeating any numbers.

Starting Strategies for Beginners

As a beginner, it can be overwhelming to look at an empty Sudoku grid. But don’t worry. There are simple starting strategies that can help you get started. First, look for any rows or columns that only have one missing number. Fill in that number and move on to the next row or column with only one missing number. Another strategy is looking for any smaller grids with only one missing number and filling in that number.

Advanced Strategies for Beginner/Intermediate Level

Once you’ve mastered the starting strategies, it’s time to move on to more advanced techniques. One technique is called “pencil marking.” This involves writing down all possible numbers in each empty square before making any moves. Then use logic and elimination techniques to cross off impossible numbers until you are left with the correct answer.

Another advanced technique is “hidden pairs.” Look for two squares within a row or column that only have two possible numbers left. If those two possible numbers exist in both squares, then those two squares must contain those specific numbers.

Benefits of Solving Sudoku Puzzles

Not only is solving Sudoku puzzles fun and challenging, but it also has many benefits for your brain health. It helps improve your problem-solving skills, enhances memory and concentration, and reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

In conclusion, Sudoku is a great way to improve your problem-solving skills while also providing entertainment. With these starting and advanced strategies, you’ll be able to solve even the toughest Sudoku puzzles. So grab a pencil and paper and start sharpening those brain muscles.

This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.

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Things Are Good

Inspirational and good news., 22 problems solved in 2022.

2022 ends in two days, and the team at Wendover Productions put together a list of 22 problems that have been “solved” during the year. It’s a nice video recap of some of the good things that humanity got up to this past year. Let’s hope 2023 sees even more solutions we can celebrate.

YouTube user, @kapitanbaobao9222 summed up the list with timestamps:

1) 1:48 NASA nails asteroid 2) 3:03 US joins Kigali amendment 3) 4:05 purportedly extinct species make comeback 4) 5:11 malaria vaccine progresses through trials 5) 6:33 lyme disease vaccine nearing market return 6) 8:04 US soccer teams strike monumental deal 7) 8:58 free lunches programs expand 8) 10:04 Europe standardizing charging ports 9) 11:02 US ev tipping point hit this year 10) 12:13 plan created for plugging orphan wells 11) 13:28 Canada pilots prescriptions for outdoors time 12) 14:18 military suicides see decline 13) 15:26 HIV vaccines progressing through trails 14) 16:18 art museums solve funding issue 15) 17:08 battery swap technology spreading 16) 18:22 ethereum achieves major efficiency gain 17) 19:42 MLB figures out authentication 18) 20:54 Klamath river set for return 19) 22:03 Intel launches deepfake detector 20) 22:47 solution for removing pfa’s found 21) 24:16 US States ban slavery 22) 25:42 nuclear fusion breakthrough

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Top Best Problem Solving-Skills to Have in 2022

Posted on Aug 04, 2022 at 06:08 AM

Practical problem-solving skills and decision-making are essential for success in life, both personal and professional.  In the ever-changing competitive world, we need to develop skills such as thinking outside the box, solving problems, and handling difficult or unexpected situations. 

As long as life goes on, we will always have problems. Therefore, it is not vital to face the problem, but the most important thing is that we know how to solve it, deal with it and successfully overcome it to avoid facing it again.  This is evident in the words of "John Foster Dulles", describing Success:

“The measure of success is not whether you have a tough problem to deal with, but whether it is the same problem you had last year.”

Your professional success will depend on your ability to solve problems quickly. Don't let that scare you off; problem-solving is a learned skill.  So, you can gain it, practice it, and develop it over time.

To be a great problem solver, you must have the right mindset, skills, and strategies.

This is precisely what these articles will teach you, keep reading…

Define problem-solving skills and their importance

Problem-solving skills are soft skills that show your ability to solve all the problems you face daily.

Problem-solving skills allow individuals to live a comfortable life and employees to work calmly and efficiently. They significantly reduce stress in the work environment, especially facing complex problems and various situations. In addition to all that, enriching these skills dramatically enhances companies' production.

Problem-solving is one of the most important skills employers look for in job candidates.  Whether you are an entry-level, a veteran, or even a project manager, these skills will be an attractive resource for any business owner because employees with problem-solving skills are more self-sufficient and confident that they can constantly develop themselves.

Problem-solving: Soft Skills that must be acquired and developed

Problem-solving skills are one of the types of Soft Skills that anyone can gain and continually develop.

Moreover, management and leadership courses in Istanbul will help you solve daily life problems calmly and simply, no matter how complicated they are.  It is a way to open up new horizons and move you into a problem-solving mindset.

As you gain the skills and mindset of problem-solving, you will be more efficient and able to lead those around you.

What are the steps for solving-problems:

 To analyse all the problems you face and solve them in the best possible way, we offer you the following troubleshooting guide:

• Problem Identification:

This stage involves: detecting and recognising a problem, identifying the nature of the problem, and defining the problem.

The first problem-solving phase may sound obvious but often requires more thought and analysis.

Identifying a problem can be a difficult task in itself. Is there a problem at all? Is there a problem?  What is the best way to identify the problem?  What are the causes of this problem? By spending some time defining the problem, you will not only understand it more clearly yourself but be able to communicate its nature to others.

• Structuring the Problem:

This stage involves a period of observation, careful inspection, fact-finding and developing a clear picture of the problem.

Following on from problem identification, structuring the problem is all about gaining more information about the problem and increasing understanding. This phase is about fact-finding and analysis, building a more comprehensive picture of both the goal(s) and the barrier(s). 

This stage may not be necessary for elementary problems but is essential for problems of a more complex nature.

•  Looking for Possible Solutions:

During this stage, you will generate a range of possible courses of action to solve current problems.

From the information gathered in the first two phases of the problem-solving framework, it is time to start thinking about possible solutions to the identified problem. 

If you are working alone to solve problems, I advise you to consult a third party. An outside observer usually has a different and distinct point of view.

In a group situation, this stage is often carried out as a brainstorming session, letting each group member express their views on possible solutions (or part solutions). 

• Making a Decision:

This is perhaps the most complex part of the problem-solving process. This stage involves careful analysis of the different possible courses of action and then selecting the best solution for implementation.

 Following the previous step, it is time to look at each potential solution and carefully analyse it. Some solutions may not be possible due to other problems like time constraints or budgets. Don't forget to examine possible solutions and make the right decision.

It is essential at this stage to also consider what might happen if nothing was done to solve the problem - sometimes, trying to solve a problem leads to many more problems.

Finally, making the right solution is your decision... Go on to the (5) stage. 

• Implementation :

Implementation means acting on the chosen solution. During implementation, more problems may arise, especially if you don't follow step number (2).

•  Seeking Feedback 

The last stage is about reviewing the outcomes of problem-solving, including seeking feedback on the success of the outcomes of the chosen solution.

And don't forget to invest in evaluations for future feedback (leveraging mistakes and not repeating them).

 After defining the troubleshooting steps, try using this guide to solve your problems and share the results with us.

Now the following question must come to your mind: What skills should be added to your skills to help reach solutions faster? The appropriate scientific answer lies in the following:

Most common problem-solving skills:

• problem-solving mindset

 This skill represents the cornerstone of problem-solving skills and includes several simple tips such as:

• Accept the fact that the problems will never end.
• Develop a solution-oriented mindset and avoid obstacles.
• Be a problem solver today and do not postpone them; postponing will not solve these problems in the future.
•  Analytical and Research skills:

These two skills are among the primary skills when solving problems. To solve a problem, you must be able to analyse it from a couple of angles. This requires you to gather and evaluate data and fact-finding and thus possess research skills.

• Emotional intelligence skills:

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognise your feelings and the feelings of others and then direct them towards solving your problems and taking the most appropriate solution.

• Creative thinking skills

Sometimes finding the right solution will require stepping out of your comfort zone and thinking creatively outside the box away from traditional solutions.  Sometimes you find that the problems are simple, and you do not need to think to solve them but remember, some problems are complex and challenging to solve, and you need to think creatively to get rid of them.

• Decision-making skills

One of the essential problem-solving skills. Once you narrow down your choices and pinpoint what causes the problem, you need to make the right decision.

Problem-solving and decision-making are closely related skills. Making a decision is essential to problem-solving as you will often face various options and alternatives.

Relationship of problem-solving skills to authentic leadership:

Creativity, problem-solving and finding suitable alternatives are the lot of any leader.  We can say that the basis for measuring leadership efficiency and its essence is the ability to solve problems quickly and easily.

 There are two main differences between the strategies of a leader and a layperson:

•  The first is that the average person does not always believe there is a solution, while the leader believes there are solutions to all problems.
• The second is the difference in the level of the leader’s view of problems from the view of most people. Ordinary people view the problem as a problem that must be solved, while the leader views the problem as an opportunity to learn more and enrich his list of ideas due to a deep analysis of things.

In conclusion, 

Dear reader, we hope that we have given you a simplified guide for what you are looking for in problem-solving skills.  Remember that you can have any skill with consistent practice, a desire to learn, and a determination to attain the ultimate goal.

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The One Tool We Need to Solve 2022's Biggest Problems Is Already in Our Hands The open web is messy and imperfect, but it's stronger than ever.

By Zack Rosen • Mar 7, 2022

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

What if the only platforms available for publishing news were Facebook and Apple's App Store?

That's the scary reality we'd be facing if the open web ceased to exist. It was originally designed to enable a global commons, to be bigger than any country's government and to be free of gatekeeping. Today the open web comprises vast swaths of independent internet properties that are free to create value for their users and customers as they see fit.

And I believe it's one of humanity's most important tools in tackling society's biggest problems: pandemics, the future of western democracy and climate change. With the power and freedom of the open web, we're able to empower the kind of creative iteration needed to address these immense challenges.

Not everyone is as bullish as I am on the potential of the open web. In fact, many have decried its decline in recent years, as closed platforms have gained market share and mindspace. For most people, it's not even something they think about; we're apt not to pay attention to vital services like the open web — until they suddenly go missing.

But I believe the success of the ecosystem is more important than the success of any one company. And, contrary to popular perception, in many ways, the open web is stronger than ever.

Here are four reasons I'm optimistic about the open web (and the future) right now.

We've got big problems to solve. And the open web offers the best way forward

It goes without saying that Covid has been one of the biggest challenges we've faced in our lifetime. But imagine if the only way we could communicate about the pandemic — and collaborate on solutions — was through popular social media networks.

From the rampant spread of misinformation to straight-up censorship of sensitive topics, social media networks have played a primary role in shaping our understanding — and misunderstanding — of Covid. Some have effectively throttled information at their whim, or conversely, have enabled the propagation of fake news.

Fortunately, the open web today represents a robust and vital alternative for information sharing.

My experience using the open web to empower Covid-related data sharing happened early in 2020. U.S. states faced shutdowns amidst a climate of information scarcity. I was part of a team that designed and launched Covid Act Now , a realtime map and vaccine tracker designed to facilitate data collection, modeling and information sharing.

It became the default platform used by millions of people — including political leaders, heads of public health and even the military. It's a project that embodies the true purpose of the open web — where freedom of information ranks high above profit.

Related: Decentralized Education Will Reshape Learning and the Global ...

The underlying technology of the open web is more powerful than ever

Contrary to popular opinion, the open web is not built on neglected platforms or obsolete tools. It's a living entity that is regularly iterated and improved upon by developers around the world. And the irony is that many of the biggest digital companies — including the walled gardens we all use daily — are investing hundreds of millions in the open web because they need it to deliver best-in-class experiences.

Case in point: Facebook created one of the most valuable technological innovations the open web has seen in recent years — React , an open-source JavaScript library that makes front-end development faster and more flexible.

It's become the most-used platform for open web developers and has led to vast improvements in open web powered experiences for companies like Amazon, Netflix, Airbnb, Uber and Amazon . Why would Facebook pony up for the open web? In essence, they too needed a way to circumvent restrictions imposed by closed systems like the App Store.

Even those who don't know about the open web inherently understand its value

We all know what freedom feels like online — that ability to create and publish at will and to share our opinions. Or, to follow our interests without restrictions or fear that our information will be used against us. Wikipedia is perhaps the most obvious example of what the open web is capable of.

Freedom is one of the fundamental principles of the open web. And, it's one of those things you inherently feel when it starts to fray — any time access, information and digital rights are restricted. (Just look at how journalists covering the 2022 Winter Games are managing their technology and access to the web.)

We've all spent enough time online to know when something is amiss. Our digital Spidey senses start tingling when information feels slanted, suppressed or manipulative. And that's precisely why open web sites will always generate traction and find followers.

Related: 5 Reasons Why an Open Internet Makes a Better World

By and large the open web works — despite its imperfections

I know the open web isn't perfect. Its unfiltered ecosystem of URLs can be messy, hard to use and perhaps even a bit scary. But it's not the nerdy dreamscape it was in its early days. It's got a lot going for it.

It's democratized: anyone can get online and openly innovate. It's infinitely scalable. And it's powered by modern technology that is often free to use. I sometimes think of it as the universe's most amazing Legoland for grownups (although kids routinely do amazing things on it as well!)

No, it's not as beautiful as the well-funded walled gardens that Apple, Facebook and others have built. But it is a living, breathing, modern ecosystem built on the power of creativity, freedom and innovation that most of us rely on every day.

Most importantly, the open web puts globally-scaled solutions to the problems we face now and in the future within our grasp, and that's worth fighting for.

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26 Problem-Solving Products To Help You Fix Things You Didn't Know You Could Fix Yourself In 2022

This year, your motto is "I got this."

BuzzFeed Staff

1. Salicylic acid wart-removing adhesive bandages for anyone who's tried everything to get rid of a stubborn wart. These miracle workers are discreet enough to look like they're just covering up a paper cut or scratch, but will *finally* give you some relief. You're not taking that wart into 2022 with you.

Promising review: "More than six years with a large, sometimes painful plantar wart on the bottom of my foot. The doctor tried freezing, I tried apple cider vinegar, aspirin, and freezing at home, over and over again...nothing worked. Never showing the bottom of my feet, refusing to get a pedicure with the girls and so, so embarrassed. It felt like I was doomed to have it forever; it was resistant to everything. Literally six years of fighting it and on a whim tried these because of the good reviews. ONE APPLICATION. I wore the bandage overnight. I didn’t think it did anything, but a few days later the wart just came off. I know it’s silly to be so emotional over a stupid wart but I’m telling you I nearly cried. I’ve never been so happy with a product in my life. Highly, highly recommend giving these a try if you’ve got a stubborn plantar wart." — Liz Dube

Get a pack of 14 from Amazon for $6.96 (or $6.61 with the Subscribe & Save option).

2. A miraculous diamond-cleaning stick that just might reveal your gems to be even more gorgeous than you thought and get them to shine as bright as Rihanna said they would — without paying a jeweler to do it.

Check out BuzzFeed's full write-up on this amazing stick .

Promising review: "Don't get me wrong — my wedding ring was gorgeous before. It did sparkle and still made me smile every day. However...after using this...*oh my goodness*! After one use, my ring is absolutely breathtaking! I knew my ring got dirty now and then, simply from sweating and being outside in the elements. However, I never realized just how much schmutz marred my beautiful diamond until I cleaned it. It literally took my breath away with its fiery, dazzling brilliance! My wedding ring is something that always makes my heart beat a little faster, for its beauty, for what it represents...and now, my smile is even bigger and my heart skips a beat a little more as I gaze upon this amazing clarity. I highly recommend this, it's an amazing value with mind-blowing, beautiful results!" — liltreeclimber

Get it from Amazon for $6.99 .

3. Beyond handy grocery bag handles for anyone who REFUSES to make multiple trips into the house with their baggage. These babies make it possible to carry way more at once (even when your roommates refuse to help) and can even hold the bags together in the back of the car so they don't spill.

Promising review: "It usually takes me a dozen trips from my car to my house to get my groceries inside, and if I carry too many at one time, the handles cut off the circulation in my hands and arms. These special handles solved all my problems. Today, I only made three trips from the car to the house! When I had to put the bags down to open the door, these handles laid on top of the bags and I only had to grab them, instead of searching for all the plastic handles as they flopped around. Now there are no more bag marks on my wrist and my hands don't go numb! Who would have thought that something so simple could make my life so much better?" — Rosemary Smith Dattler

Get a set of two from Amazon for $13.95 .

4. A zipper repair kit that'll make fixing the fastenings on bags and jackets without the help of a pro (or just giving up and tossing the item) a breeze even if you're not at all handy. Winter's barely started and your coat zipper could already use some TLC.

The kit includes 11 replacement zippers in common sizes and designs, four bottom stopper replacements and six top stopper replacements, plus illustrated instructions and access to a customer service line that'll help you figure out exactly the replacement part you need.

Promising review: "Incredibly easy! Big money saver! Amazing! Within ten minutes of opening the package I had repaired the zippers on two ski jackets. A tailor wanted $14 each to replace the zippers and I would have had to provide the zippers. It came with enough parts to fix several more. Wish I had known about this handy product a long time ago." — gbdoc

Get it from Amazon for $12.95 .

5. An easy wood-repairing marker and wax stick set so you can fill in and cover those scratches without spending time and money on fully repairing and replacing an old fave piece of furniture.

One reviewer even said it was perfect for filling in worn shoe soles!

Promising review: "For $10 you can cover up so many scratches that you couldn't buy a house big enough to run out of ink. I've had this for just four hours, but I fixed a table that was scratched when I moved it, kitchen cabinets, chairs, a wine rack, and some hardwood flooring. It does a good job at covering the scratches to a point where you have to stare at a spot to notice it, but don't expect it to make your furniture to look brand new again. But for $10 you can make your furniture look reasonable! Would highly recommend to anyone who has pets who scratch the !@#$ out of their wood furniture." — Phaedrus

Get six markers, six wax sticks, and a sharpener from Amazon for $9.99 .

6. A magical purple toning shampoo that works on all hair types and eliminates yellow or brassy tones in your hair, so you won't have to go to the salon for touch-ups nearly as often this year. BTW, 5,000+ reviewers say it's to ~dye~ for.

It's also very strong, so several reviewers recommend mixing it with your usual shampoo!

Promising review: "Wowza! I'm not one to leave reviews, but this product deserves it! Holy cow! I was going to go into the salon to brighten my hair up, but after discovering this product I cancelled my appointment. I'm totally in love! This shampoo is not drying at all and just after two washes I achieved my desired results! I can't recommend it enough! Photo from right to left: Before using, one wash, two washes. Love, love, LOVE!! 😍" — Rachael

Get it from Amazon for $9.79 .

7. Miracle-Gro indoor plant food spikes for anyone who's ever felt like there was nothing else they could do to keep their wilty plant baby alive, short of pursuing a horticultural degree. Turns out, there is: just stick these guys into your plant pot every few weeks, and 2022 will be the year you finally get your plants to not only survive, but thrive.

Each spike can be used for 30–60 days, depending on the season. The reviewer pics above are all of the same plant — the left one shows how this magical stuff helped the rather sad dude perk up in just 10 days, and the right one shows that he's like a whole new plant two months later!

Promising review: "I absolutely adore this product. When I first got my Coleus plant, I seriously thought it was going to die in less than a week and I was just searching on Google for like a quick fix and I came across these plant food sticks. I honestly didn’t think it was going to help, but my plant is amazing now. I just stuck it In the soil and watered it regularly and two weeks later it was ready to move into a bigger pot. It is growing, it is beautiful, it is vibrant; every positive word you can think of basically. Thank you so much Miracle-Gro for turning me into a green thumb." — Suttonkae

Get 24 spikes from Amazon for $2.79 , and get some specially designed for orchids (which I'm currently using to help my orchid bb, Ingrid, live her best life) here .

8. A super convenient magnetic wristband strong enough to hold up to one pound (!!!) of tools you want to have close at hand, so it'll be like you have an assistant right there with you as you tackle all your projects for the year. This is like a double whammy of DIY: you can fix the problem of not being able to reach everything yourself *while* you fix other things around the house yourself.

Read BuzzFeed's full MagnoGrip write-up .

Promising review: "Husband uses this a lot now. Before he was constantly dropping his nails and screws from the top of his ladder. He would also lose the nails and screws when removing them from items. Now all he has to do is take a few at a time and place them on the band. Being hands-free when having to do projects is a gift in itself. Band is durable and you can wipe it off if need be or rinse it with the hose outside." — Kayla D. Wood

Get it from Amazon for $11.95 .

9. A set of heel protectors to conceal and stabilize worn-out heel caps in seconds. Because do you actually need to go to the cobbler every time you wear a fave pair down to the nail? Heel no.

Promising review: "I can't believe I never thought of searching for a product like this for the twelve pairs of heels that I have sitting around waiting for shoe repair before! These are awesome and will save me a bundle of time and money, since I won't have to haul my shoes to the inconvenient shoe repair shop. I'm so impressed. They fit really well. I used the measurement guide on the product page before ordering. They're also great in those emergencies when you lose your heel tip right before an important date or job interview!" — MarisaReads

Get two pairs from Amazon for $9.99 (available in two colors and seven combinations of heel thicknesses).

10. A handy zipper pull tool for anyone who has ever found themselves living alone and wishing they had a family member/roommate/S.O. around to help with their seemingly impossible back zipper. Yup, time to pull all of those gorgeous back-zip dresses out of the depths of your closet.

Because Dakota Johnson has never been more relatable than in that scene in How To Be Single where she falls all over the place while trying (and failing) to zip her dress. Big mood.

Promising review: "I bought a new jumpsuit from Amazon and after a struggle to reach to zip it up, I couldn’t have been more pleased. It fit perfectly and needed no alterations. Then all of a sudden it hit me. 1) I would have to struggle again to pull up and down that zipper when I had to go to the bathroom, and 2) it probably wouldn’t be in the privacy of my home. So, after an embarrassing plea for help at the dentist office, I decided to look up zipper pulls and came across this. I ordered it immediately. The next time I wore my outfit, I was ready. Even though my zipper had a tiny hide-away pull, it worked perfectly. I took it with me that day in the convenient included pouch, and no longer had to dread going into the bathroom." — carolw

Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in three colors).

11. DampRid moisture absorber , which comes in handy little tubs and is perfect for anyone who always assumed that icky, humid smell was just something they were going to have to live with in their home. Nope, you plus this trusty product are the superhero duo your sticky bathroom has been waiting for.

Each tub lasts up to 60 days and can be refilled with moisture-absorbing beads . It works best in small spaces like closets and bathrooms, and claims to help reduce allergens in the air, too!

Promising review: "I live in an old apartment building with dampness in my hall closet and under the sink. I was amazed at how well these work — no more musty smell in my linens. The amount of moisture that was trapped in those little bins was unbelievable. I would highly recommend them! I wish I would’ve bought them sooner. I am not a fan of scented products, so after reading the reviews I knew right away unscented was the way to go!" — Liane

Get a four-pack from Amazon for $13.98+ (available in four scents).

12. The amazing Bug Bite Thing , a suction tool to erase bug bites and itching faster than you ever thought possible, for those who attract soooo many bites and can never resist scratching them and making them worse (it me).

Some reviewers caution that it shouldn't be used on your face!

Promising review: "I cannot stress to you enough how much better this simple little tool has made my quality of life during summer in Ohio. It rains a lot. There are a lot of mosquitoes. OMG so many mosquitoes. This tool doesn't make those bumps go away, but it stops the itch IMMEDIATELY. I was a huge skeptic; how could a little suction cure this agonizingly itchy reaction? I'll be honest, I still really don't know how it does, but it provides instant relief that no pill, cream, or injection ever has ever achieved for me. If you live anywhere where insect bites are common, you need to own one of these!" — Customer

Get it from Amazon for $9.95 (available in three colors).

13. Downright genius LED light-blocking stickers to take the annoying lights on all your household gadgets from wayyyyy too bright to *just right*. These are for anyone who's ever stared with loathing at their clock in the middle of the night, wishing they could somehow reprogram it to be less bright and obnoxious.

Promising review: "Works as advertised. Didn't realize how badly I needly these in my life! I have a media PC in my living room under my TV and directly across from the main couch. The LED is extremely bright and obnoxious, especially in low-light situations. One of these dimmed the LED the perfect amount and I can definitely still see that the PC is on, but without the annoying blue beacon that can be seen from space. The variety of options included guarantee that you should have the correct size to dim whatever LEDs you have. Highly recommend." — IPman501

Get a pack of over 100 stickers from Amazon for $4.99 .

14. A fast-drying, super strong metal glue that yes, is great for anyone who makes their own jewelry, but is also super handy to have around if you ever need to reset a loose stone, broken link, or clasp.

Promising review: "Pearl popped off expensive stud earrings and a previous glue (not this brand) purchase left less than impressive results. Jewelry repair at a counter was expensive and also left much to be desired. I was about to give up hope, when I decided to do a search on Amazon. Based on reviews, I ordered this jewelry glue and it has far exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it. Came with three tubes and glued very quickly. I did leave the earrings to set for 24 hours out of caution, but the adhesion was solid and the pearl hasn’t budged with daily wear." — Jmart425

Get a pack of three tubes from Amazon for $4.99 .

15. A windshield repair kit so you can fix dings all by yourself. Schlep to the repair shop and spend a ton of money on a repair every time a pebble hits my windshield on the highway? You're cracking me up.

The kit comes with chip-filling resin, an applicator, and everything you need to mount and apply it, plus instructions.

Promising review: "I had a 'professional' come and fix a chip on my windshield and was not impressed with the repair. Based on his results, I decided to try this product on a chip on a different windshield (Can you believe two freeway rock chips in a week? Ugh!) and do it myself. Each kit comes with everything that you need for a single repair. This worked better than the pro job. If you follow the easy-to-use instructions, you should get very good results." — LaserBill

Get it from Amazon for $10.59 .

16. A LOLworthy, yet effective Schitt spray , because ew, David, I bet you thought stinking up the bathroom was just an inevitable part of life. Nope — just spritz this oil blend onto the toilet before you go to mask whatever damage you're about to do. Especially if you're Roland using the loo in the Rose's motel room.

It's from a Boston-based small business!

Promising review: "Love this spray!!! It works great and the scent is lovely. The small travel size is perfect for my purse!" — Nancy

Get a full-size bottle and a travel size from SEssentialsBoutique on Etsy for $20 .

17. A clever grout-coating pen , because you'll be ~floored~ at how much better you can make your tile look without having your grout replaced.

The pics above are with just one coat of this stuff!

Promising review: "I love this!!! I have a house built in the '80s and I believe the tile in the bathroom is original. I can't afford to replace it, but the grout has gotten old and has chips and holes (like coral) in some spots. This filled in those holes and covered the discoloration on the grout. I'd tried EVERYTHING before (vinegar, bleach, even painting it) and nothing worked. This works, has lasted, and was SO easy to apply — just like coloring with a pen!!! This seemed too good to be true, but it is true and I've ordered more for the other bathroom!!!" — Heather

Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in two thicknesses). Find more colors here .

18. 100 Things Every Homeowner Must Know , a tome full of insights on how to do everything from understand your plumbing system to cut heating costs to roll paint properly to protect your belongings. TL;DR: you'll no longer feel like you need to call someone to fix every little (or even medium-sized or big) problem, and you'll be able to tackle a lot of the home upgrades on your 2022 to-do list yourself.

And because, realistically, there will be some things for your home you can't do yourself, the book even has sections on how to hire the best professionals for the job. Reviewers say it has lots of helpful diagrams and is especially useful for people buying their first house and can even be used as a housewarming gift!

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ or Bookshop (to support local booksellers) for $22.99 .

19. Howard Feed-N-Wax Wood Polish and Conditioner , a beeswax and orange oil formula that's basically like a spa treatment for your wood surfaces and will have them looking like they just received a professional polishing (when really, you're just a professional at finding great cleaning products online).

In addition to polishing, it adds a protective layer and helps prevent the wood from drying out or fading, so it's time to cue a rom-com makeover montage for your cabinet doors. Check out BuzzFeed's full write-up on this polish !

Promising review: "I read about this in a BuzzFeed article, read the reviews, and looked at the images posted by reviewers. I figured for under $10, why not. Our house is about 20 years old and things are starting to just look worn. Add kids and a dog to the house and you have plenty of scratched up or water-stained wood. This is magic in a bottle! The first picture is a door the dog scratched up. While the scratches are still there, you can no longer see them. The other picture is of a window that was left cracked open when we were gone and it rained. The wood was trashed, but now it looks brand new. I bought on a whim and now I've added it to my monthly Subscribe & Save." — ByteMe

Get it from Amazon for $8.98 .

20. A brilliant color-coded keyboard cover for anyone who's new to Adobe Photoshop and is really struggling not having teachers or coworkers to help them master it IRL. This cover illustrates all the shortcuts so you can train yourself to become a pro in no time.

Chic Geeks is a Black woman-owned business specializing in gorgeous tech accessories and clever keyboard covers!

Promising review: "Exactly what I needed. Fits well and easy to read." — Heidi Winkler

Get it from Chic Geeks for $20 (available for seven different MacBook models).

21. Waterproof screen repair tape so you can patch up holes in a door or window screen (yes, I'm talking about the one you were sure you were gonna have to replace) in seconds.

Promising review: "This tape works wonders. I am trying to get a recent move paid off, so I really couldn't afford to replace screens at this point, even if I did them myself. This tape made all the difference in my house. I no longer had to leave the windows closed, worrying about sitting on the couch with fly swatter in hand, or watching my cats zoom around the house trying to catch them and knocking everything over in the process." — MsRich2u

Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in two colors).

22. An amazing and super versatile weed-pulling tool that can get into hard-to-reach places and that several reviewers say is the best weed-removing tool they've ever used. Hiring a gardener? I don't know her.

It's from a Utah-based small business!

Promising review: "Best. Yard. Tool. Ever. Y'all...I was so skeptical when I purchased this item. I'm pretty serious about my weed pulling and usually stick with the good old fashioned hand tool on my hands and knees. This tool is AMAZING!!! It really works!! Stick it in the ground and pop!!! Easy on the knees and saves time! Thank you!!!" — Sydnee

Get it from The Grommet for $39.95 .

23. A universal jar opener for the problem that anyone who lives alone has faced at least once: thinking you're going to have to change your whole dinner plan because you cannot, for the life of you, open that jar of pasta sauce. This baby will be your new best friend and will take up — get this — ZERO drawer space.

It comes with peel-and-stick adhesive and three screws to easily install it!

Promising review: "My husband installed this under a kitchen cabinet for me. Because I have small arthritic hands, I couldn't open any jar by myself. This opener has made it possible for me to open any jar or bottle. All you do is hold the item firmly inside the opener and then turn the base of the item clockwise. And voila! Your jar is opened. This has worked on every jar/bottle I have tried. It is also very unobtrusive because of its low profile." — Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $16.99 .

24. Squishface Wrinkle Paste , an anti-itch, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal cream made for cleaning the cute faces (and tail pockets) of the wrinkliest doggos around. I can't be the only one who didn't know there was a solution for this common pet problem!

Promising review: "If I could give a higher review I would. I spent over $1,000 at the vet, between medicine and bloodwork, and nothing worked. I used baby powder and tried ointments and nothing worked. My dog would always rub everything off on the carpet or walls. He is an English Bulldog and has had problems with the fold between his nose and eyes. He’s 10 years old and I just couldn’t find a solution for the past two years and have felt terrible. He has had raw skin that has been bleeding and had pus in his folds. I’ve cleaned the folds every day for two years. Day one with the product the pus and bleeding was gone. We’re at a week now and completely healed. Looks like he never had a problem." — paul blanchard jr

Get it from Amazon for $20.67 (or $18.60 with the Subscribe & Save option).

25. A special pill-removing, pumice-esque stone made just for restoring your favorite clothes to their former glory — even the ones you thought had passed the pill -tiful point of no return.

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Maitland Quitmeyer swears by hers! She writes: "Like many of you, I've been living in sweats and PJs during this almost-year of WFH full time. And it's made me revisit the state of some of my loungewear. Take for example, this college sweatshirt I wear all the time — as evidenced by the rather EXTENSIVE pilling all over it. So when I saw this pumice-esque sweater stone (it's made from upcycled car windshield glass — how cool is that?!), I decided it was worth the try. We've featured electric pill removers (mostly the fan-favorite Conair one ) many times, and they really work. But sometimes you're looking for a little more detail or control — that's where this stone comes in handy. I was able to navigate around the contours of the logo on my sweatshirt with ease, removing pills using the corner or the entire flat bottom in a few quick strokes. It truly took no time at all — the sweatshirt was done in mere minutes. The only thing I would note is that particles do 'fall out' of the stone, so do your pill-removing on a surface that's easy to sweep or vacuum up at the end."

Get it from Celsious (A Black woman-owned, Brooklyn-based small business) for $17 or from Amazon for $13.85 .

26. DressWeights , heroic little weights that adhere to your hem to prevent a Marilyn Monroe moment. And here you thought the only way to do that was to learn to control the weather.

The adhesive is strong but removable, so they can be used again and again! These clever babies are from an NY-based, woman- and family-run small business.

Promising review: "These are, hands down, a complete lifesaver. I recently attended a multi-day conference event, where wardrobe malfunctions weren't an option. Add in mid-Atlantic summer breezes and skirts and well, you have a potential disaster on your hands, right? NO. These babies will keep your hemlines down where they belong, and they work hard without being cumbersome. They're lightweight but dense, can easily be adjusted or moved without removing the backing, and they come in their own case — what more could you ask for?" — tahlia pankau

Get a set of four from DressStrong on Etsy for $15 .

You to all your problems:

The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.

Looking for the perfect gift for any occasion? Check out all of BuzzFeed’s gift guides !

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