My nana was so smart! Trying this tonight!

 

My Nana Was So Smart! I’m Trying This Tonight — And You Might Want To, Too

There’s something special about the wisdom passed down from grandmothers. It’s the kind of knowledge that isn’t found in cookbooks or cleaning manuals — it’s tucked into quiet conversations, handwritten notes, and timeworn habits. My nana was one of those quietly brilliant women who always seemed to know the simple, practical solutions to everyday problems. And today, I’m sharing one of her best-kept secrets — something I’m trying tonight and you might just want to as well.

A Simple Trick with Surprising Benefits

Whether it was keeping the house fresh without harsh chemicals or making food stretch just a little further, my nana always had a trick up her sleeve. One of her favorites? A humble household hack using nothing more than items already in your pantry — and it worked like magic every time.

Here’s what I’m trying tonight:
She used to place a small bowl of baking soda with a few drops of vanilla extract behind the stove and in the fridge. That’s it. No expensive air fresheners. No sprays. Yet somehow, her kitchen always smelled clean, warm, and welcoming.

Why? Because baking soda absorbs odors, and vanilla offers a comforting, nostalgic scent. The two together create a simple, chemical-free air freshener that actually works.

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Other Smart Tricks from Nana’s Playbook

While I’m on a roll, here are a few more gems she used regularly:

• Lined drawers with dried lavender or bay leaves to repel insects and keep clothes smelling fresh.

• Used vinegar and lemon peel to make a natural all-purpose cleaner.

• Stored brown sugar with a slice of bread to keep it from hardening.

• Slipped a dry tea bag into smelly shoes — and it actually worked!

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Why Nana’s Ideas Still Matter

In a world full of high-tech gadgets and overcomplicated solutions, there’s something deeply comforting about going back to basics. These small, thoughtful habits not only solve problems — they remind us of a time when people relied more on resourcefulness than products.

Trying Nana’s trick tonight feels like a little moment of connection to the past — and a chance to slow down, simplify, and appreciate the wisdom of those who came before us.

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Want to Try It?

All you need:

• A small bowl or jar

• 2–3 tablespoons of baking soda

• A few drops of pure vanilla extract (or essential oil)

Place it anywhere you want to freshen up — the fridge, a closet, a bathroom shelf, or your kitchen counter. Replace every couple of weeks for best results.

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Final Thoughts

Sometimes the smartest solutions are also the simplest. My nana didn’t have Pinterest or YouTube tutorials — just experience, intuition, and a knack for knowing what worked. I’m giving her little trick a go tonight… and if you try it too, you just might end up saying what I did:

“Wow — Nana was so smart.”