Life Hacks from Nanas

By Anna Lee
Viva
Queen Elizabeth, the world's most famous grandma, with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George. Picture / Getty Images.

“My nan used to say ‘Always look your best’ — and she always did. It was something her mother had instilled in her. She told me back when they lived in Ireland, my great-grandmother would change her apron and brush her hair every day before her husband got home. I love that after all those years of marriage and children, she still wanted to make an effort for him." — Commercial manager Michelle Fowler’s nana.

"When times are hard, particularly when you are grieving, try to cope with one day at a time and if one day is too hard, just try one hour." — Writer Rosie Kelway’s  nana.

"For a perfectly boiled egg, leave for 7 ½ minutes and add some salt to the water." — Fashion editor Dan Ahwa’s nan.

"Always remember to look up to the stars through adversity." — Editorial assistant Anna Lee’s grandma.

"Always keep your nail polish in the fridge, it lasts longer and goes on smoother. Having a coat of nude polish on at all times protects nails from breakage." — Intern Danielle Clausen’s nana."My 99-year-old grandma always puts her long life down to eating a big meal at lunch and sandwiches for dinner, and playing sport — ‘lots of tennis and hockey is the key to a long life!" — Picture researcher Ellie Mitchell’s grandma."Apply onion slices directly to mosquito bites to ease the itching." — Digital and design assistant Lucy Casley’s nan.

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