Aaronee’s Life Hacks; Simplified Spring Edition

Spring is here and the temps are warming up. If you haven't already removed every chapstick from your vehicles, you may find a waxy mess.

Life Hacks help you quickly feel like you are getting your life together.
Here are three things you can do right now to get ready for summer:

1. Clean out your melted chapstick container and have a great place to store some cash while at the beach.

2. BUY pool noodles at the dollar store! Every time I pass these up, I regret it. They don't pop like most flimsy pool toys and I even like using them in the water. They are multi use too. You can use them to make wreaths. Double Deal.

3. Have a folding chair, small bag(with towel) or cooler in your car at all times. You need to be ready to party. Don't let the moment pass by or have to spend too much money to be able to pic-nic or go to the beach and enjoy the nice weather.

It's good for your mental health to have something to look forward to. So plan lots of fun and be ready for some spur of the moment fun as well.

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Utah gets dragged a lot for being "so religious" or "too judgmental," but despite it's critics, Utah is the #1 place to live in America.

Every place has it's share of pros and cons, wins and flaws, but Utah definitely has more pros than cons and is ranked #1 out of all 50 states. So Cool! We should celebrate!

So what how was the ranking done? U.S. News a world report compiled the list of criteria and calculated the scores. This is what the Rankings Scorecard looks like:

Utah came in #1 in 2 categories as well as overall. Excellent!  These aren't wimpy categories either. PLUS we were in the top 20 in 7 out of the 8 categories. That is an incredible feat.

Here's how all of Utah's rankings all shook out-

Crime and Corrections #15 This category is based on crime rate and property crime rates. We were #20 in crime rate and #7 in corrections outcomes. So we should be congratulating our state police agencies for doing such a great job in de-escalation and positive corrections outcomes. Thank you, THANK YOU to all of those who protect and serve! ♥

Economy #1 We killed it in this category! Most of us are wondering how to afford to live here, but with a great business environment, there is more growth than ANY OTHER STATE. We also have the best employment rate of all 50 states. The overall Best States rankings takes into account each state’s business environment, labor market and overall economic growth.

Education #5 This category looked at pre-K-high school as well as higher education. Despite the federal government jumping in with "No Child Left Behind," most states are leaving it up to the local school boards. If you are frustrated with anything that is happening with the schools in your area, take action and put that on your list of things to ask your political leaders and those running for office. We have to stop complaining and start acting.

Fiscal Stability #1 This has to do with effective state administration and the fiscal health of long-term and short-term goals. You have the power to shape your state. Make suggestions and ask questions of your leaders. Emails can work wonders.

Health Care #7 This is a biggie. We received this ranking based on the quality, access and positive public health outcomes from our health care system.

Infrastructure #4 U.S News evaluated the quality of live for each states residents base on these key factors: state’s use of renewable energy, the quality of its roads and bridges, and its residents’ access to high-speed internet. Minnesota came in 1st in this category.

Natural Environment #46 This is where we took a nosedive. But, we knew we would. Air quality and pollution need our attention ASAP. We need to remember this issue when it comes time for voting in new leadership. Utah Caucuses are March 5th.

Opportunity #20 Not as bad as Natural Environment, but still something to think about correcting come voting time. This category deals with equity and equality. Wage gaps still exist within the exact same jobs/titles/output between men and women.

Utah is an incredible place to live. It's diverse beauty is unmatched. It's clean and safe and if we are looking for the positive in life, we will find more of it.

Final Rankings Scorecard:

For more detail on this ranking you can check out : https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings