Hungry, Hungry, Open Thread

It's Friday, that means it's time for you to converse with other Lifehacker commenters to share whatever is on your mind. It's an open thread, meaning, the topic is whatever! We host one every Friday here on Lifehacker and you can head over to Hackerspace during the rest of the week for M, W, F opportunities to speak your mind.

Why You Should Track Your Efforts, Not Your Achievements

In a word: Happiness. Blogger and consultant Sarah Von Bargen explains why you might be better off measuring your efforts rather than focusing on accomplishments. Instead of focusing on reaching a specific goal, like getting more traffic to your blog, you'll be much happier (and saner) if you focus on the little, day-by-day steps, Von Bargen writes. For one thing, reaching big goals takes a long time and some goals aren't completely within your control. On the other hand, you'll have many more efforts than accomplishments—and that many more proud moments: Two scenarios. What you say: ”I’ll keep track of how many new clients I get!” How you feel: “Sooooooo, three months and I’ve only landed one new client. I’m a failure, I hate everything, and I should go drown myself in a pool of butter and noodles.” What you say: “I’ll keep track of how many potential clients I pitch!” How you feel: “Wow! I pitched five potential clients this month! I’m about a million times braver than I was last month and my presentations are heaps smoother. I’m getting better at dealing with rejection and my pitches are getting tighter and smarter each time.” See the difference? This isn't to say you shouldn't have big goals or work hard to achieve them. It's just a friendly reminder to not get discouraged and don't forget to look back on all that hard work you've been doing (which should lead you to the achievements anyway).

Learn All the PowerPoint Keyboard Shortcuts with This Free Guide

If you spend any decent amount of time working with PowerPoint, you'll want to check out this free resource offering all the keyboard shortcuts you can use in the program to save time and boost your productivity. You can download a free/donationware e-book with all the shortcuts or just check out the full list at Indezine. These were created by Microsoft PowerPoint MVP Geetesh Bajah, and they include the keyboard shortcuts for PowerPoint 2003, 2007, 2010, and 2013. Most of them are actually keyboard sequences, where you press two keys together, like a regular shortcut, and then release and hit one or more keys. You'll find shortcuts for bringing up the animation task pane (ALT+A > C), distributing slide objects horizontally (Alt+H > G > A > H), and switching PowerPoint views (Alt+W > [other keys]), among others. It's a great resource for all you presentation ninjas out there, and makes a nice companion to the Excel keyboard shortcuts reference sheet and the Word shortcuts cheat sheet.

Do You Eat at Your Desk?

For some, lunch offers an opportunity to get away from the office, take little mental break, and prepare yourself for the rest of the day. For others, it's a chance to get ahead on tasks or catch up with your favorite web sites. Do eat at your desk? We've showed you ways you can use your lunch breaks more effectively, but it's also possible that eating lunch at your desk might actually make you less productive. If you bring your own lunch to work, there are good ways you can upgrade your brown bag lunch, including making your own tasty, balanced Bento meals. So, how about you?

DIY Sandwich Wraps and Snack Bags Save Money and the Environment

So long, plastic bags. With less than a yard of fabric and a little bit of time, you can make your own reusable containers for snacks and sandwiches. You'll need cotton fabric and nylon for the lining the inside (it helps keep moisture from leaking out), plus polyester thread, velcro, and basic sewing skills. Cotton napkins, already cut into squares, might be perfect for this. This project will save you the $10 or so companies charge for similar sacks, plus you can customize ones for your whole family. Hit up the instructions on BHG below to get started.

Dealhacker: $3 iPhone Cases, Cheap Compressed Air, and $50 Beats

Whether you got a new iPhone 5s today, or you're sticking it out for another year with the iPhone 5, it's tough to beat a well-reviewed case for less than $3 shipped. KAYSCASE is offering several colors of their soft gel and hard shell iPhone 5 cases for a penny, plus $2.98 shipping. Availability seems to be pretty fluid, so I'd hop on this as soon as you can. [Amazon] Top Deals Today Only: Dust Destroyer Duster 7oz. (12 pack) ($30) | Staples via FatWallet | The cans are small, but it's still a really good deal. Beats by Dre urBeats Earbud Headphones w/ Built-In In-Line Mic ($50) | 1Sale | $100 pretty much everywhere else Wilton Nonstick Cooling Grid ($7) | Amazon | About half its typical price CM Storm QuickFire Rapid - Compact Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with CHERRY MX BROWN Switches ($70) | Amazon | Excellent reviews, and we love mechanical keyboards Toshiba 16GB Micro SDHC Flash Card ($8) | Newegg via Tech Bargains | Promo code EMCXLVX38 Jawbone Jambox ($80) | 1Sale via Deals Kinja | $120 or more elsewhere Seagate Backup Plus 1 TB USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive ($60) | Newegg | Use promo code EMCXLVX25 Olympia Tools 88-670 iWork 15-Piece Smartphone Repair Tool Kit ($17) | Amazon iOS PDF Box (Free) | Via App Shopper | Normally $3 Photo Eraser (iPad Only) (Free) | Via App Shopper | Normally $1 CloudNote for Dropbox (Free) | Via App Shopper | Normally $1 File Hub (Free) | Via App Shopper | Normally $2 Pushup Trainer (Free) | Via 9to5Toys | Normally $1 Pro Camera (Free) | Via 9to5Toys | Normally $5 Voice Translator (Free) | Via 9to5Toys | Normally $1 Scanner Pro by Readdle ($3) | Via 9to5Toys | Normally $7 Neatly - The Smart Twitter Client for iPad (Free) | Via 9to5Toys | Normally $2 Cycloramic Studio 360 Panorama (Free) | Via 9to5Toys | Normally $2 Songify by Smule (Free) | Via 9to5Toys | Normally $3 IM+ Pro (Free) | via 9To5Toys | Normally $5 Photogene ($1) | Via App Shopper | Normally $3 Task (Free) | Via App Shopper | Normally $1 Hipstamatic ($1) | Via App Shopper | Normally $2 Android Neatly For Twitter (Free) | Via Apps-Aholic | Normally $2 Gymprovise Gym Workout Tracker ($3) | Via Apps-Aholic | Normally $4 Glowfly ($1) | Via AppBrain | Normally $1.50 Handy Note Pro ($2) | Via AppBrain | Normally $4 Rethink (Free) | Via AppBrain | Normally $1 VideoRegPro ($1) | Via Apps-Aholic | Normally $5 Computers Refurb: Acer 11.6" Chromebook ($140) | Groupon via 9to5Toys | Down from about $200 Haswell Core i7 and GeForce Powered Lenovo IdeaPad Y410p ($799) | Lenovo via Deals Kinja | Ignore the promo code they suggest, and use USPY484919 instead. Note that it only works on the $829 model This is a beast of a laptop. Lenovo IdeaTab K3011 ($300) | Lenovo | $200 off with coupon code USPLY51912 Computer Parts ACER 21.5" 5ms Widescreen LED Monitor ($110) | Newegg via Tech Bargains | $10 off the usual price Dell S2240M CFGKT-IPS-LED 21.5-Inch Screen LED-lit Monitor ($130) | Amazon | $140 or more elsewhere Storage SAMSUNG D3 Station 2TB USB 3.0 Black External Hard Drive ($70) | Newegg via Joe Rice-Jones | Promo code EMCXLVX84 Today Only: PNY - Attaché 3 128GB USB Flash Drive ($60) | Best Buy Sony 16GB SDHC/SDXC Class 10 UHS-1 R40 Memory Card ($11) | Amazon | A couple bucks off Sony 32GB SDHC/SDXC Class 10 UHS-1 R40 Memory Card ($19) | Amazon | Same as above, but double the storage for not quite double the money. Tech Accessories Refurb: Das Keyboard Professional Model S for Mac ($75) | Dealfisher | Finished second in Lifehacker's desktop keyboard High Five. Duracell 32 AA + 8 AAA Alkaline Batteries - 40 Total ($15) | Deal Genius | Awesome price for name brand batteries Today Only: Epson - Stylus Small-in-One Wireless All-In-One Printer ($30) | Best Buy | Good reviews Montego Bay 5-Piece Palmetto Patio Conversation Set ($49) | WalMart | Clearance Mini Portable USB Speaker / MP3 Player / FM Radio / Alarm Clock ($10) | ebay Sony MDRNC7/WHI Noise Canceling on-ear headphones (White) ($23) | Amazon | $31 or more elsewhwere Manfrotto MK294KIT Aluminum Tripod Kit with 3-Way Head with Quick Release and Tripod Bag ($110) | Amazon | 50% off the typical historical price REI Rechargeable Travel Light ($4) | REI via Deals Kinja | Lowest price ever, but act fast. Should even clip onto most e-readers without trouble. Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones ($126) | SoundProfessionals.com via Deals Kinja | Use promo code 1-ATH-M50-50. Finished a close second in our reader poll for best headphones. Around The House Nostalgia Electrics KRS2100 Kegorator Beer Keg Fridge - Black ($340) | Home.Woot via FatWallet | $400 elsewhere Honeywell HEPAClean Tabletop Air Purifier ($40) | Kmart via FatWallet | Not incredibly rare to see this at $40, but it's about $5 off what you'd usually pay. Montego Bay 5-Piece Palmetto Patio Conversation Set ($49) | WalMart | Clearance Keurig K45 Elite Brewer ($96) | Home Depot | Use promo code FALL20 (works on all small appliances) Premier 192042 Five-Setting Showerhead, Chrome ($11) | Amazon via Deals Kinja | Fantastic reviews, and a great price WAHL Corded Color Pro 20-Piece Color Coded Haircut Kit ($19) | Kmart Tide Pods Detergent - SPring Meadow, 57 ct. (4 pack) ($55) | Dollar General via Ben's Bargains | Be sure to get the 4-pack, and use promo code SAVENOW for $5 off. Same quantity on Amazon would be about $62. Taylor 501 Connoisseur Line Instant Read Thermometer ($9) | Amazon | You do use a meat thermometer, right? Eclipse Microfiber Grommet Blackout Window Panel ($13) | Amazon | Small price to pay for better sleep. Today Only: 9-Piece Whiskey- and Wine-Stone Set – Online Deal ($10) | Groupon | A little cheaper than you'd find elsewhere Tools & DIY SE MH1047L Illuminated Multipower LED Binohead Magnifier ($7) | Amazon | Lowest price ever, typically hovers around $13 Stanley 66-052 6-Piece Precision Screwdriver Set ($4) | Amazon | Lifetime warranty, but it's an add-on item, unfortunately. Stanley 60-100 10-Piece Standard Fluted Screwdriver Set ($8) | Amazon | I own these, and they're great. Also, lifetime warranty Olympia Tools 88-670 iWork 15-Piece Smart Phone Repair Tool Kit ($16.98) | Amazon | Near lowest price ever, and great reviews. It even opens iPhones. Kobalt 63-Piece Standard/Metric Mechanics Tool Set with Case ($30) | Lowe's via Deals Kinja | Lifetime warranty, and decent savings Mobile Devices Sony SmartWatch MN2 Genuine Bluetooth Android Cell Phone Watch With Two Bands ($76) | Rakuten via FatWallet | About $90 elsewhere KAYSCASE iPhone 5/5s Cases ($3) | Amazon via 9to5Toys | $.01 each, but $2.98 shipping. Shipping drops to $2 for additional cases. Lenovo IdeaTab A1000 7-Inch Android Tablet ($99) | Lenovo | Use promo code USPA154919 iPhone 5c 16GB ($80) | Target via Gizmodo | $20 off, plus 5% more if you have a REDcard Home Theater Velodyne WiConnect 10 Inch Wireless Subwoofer ($160) | Velodyne via Slickdeals | Promo code VSUB10 Convenience Concepts 3-Tier TV Stand for Flat Panel TV's up to 32-Inch or 80-Pound ($35) | Amazon | Typically $40 Seiki Digital SE50UY04 50-Inch 4K TV ($966) | Amazon via Deals Kinja | 4K for under $1000 SCEPTRE SB301523 2.1-Channel Sound Bar with Built-In Subwoofer ($68) | Amazon | Lowest price ever, and solid reviews SOUL by Ludacris SL99 Sound Isolation In-Ear Headphones ($38) | Amazon | Near record low, four star reviews. LG Electronics 47LN5700 47-Inch 1080p 120Hz LED-LCD HDTV with Smart TV ($620) | Amazon | Lowest price ever. Travel Dorcy 41-1017 Mini LED Flashlight Lantern with Built-In Hanging Hook, 40-Lumens, Assorted Colors ($7) | Amazon Condor Compact Assault Pack ($34) | Amazon | Usually over $40 Photography Nikon D600 24.3 MP CMOS FX-Format Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) ($1868) | Amazon | Lowest price ever Refurb: JVC GZ-E200 Full HD 1080p Camcorder ($100) | Groupon via Deals Kinja | $130 or more elsewhere Fun Stuff BOGO Pei Wei Entree with Printable Coupon | Facebook required Dry Erase Sticky-Back Map of the USA ($15) | Amazon via Deals Kinja Star Trek: The Original Motion Picture Collection [Blu-ray] ($30) [DVD] ($21) | Amazon via Deals Kinja | Today only Bioshock Triple Pack (PC Download) ($20) | Amazon | Awesome deal for the entire trilogy 20% off Playstation 4 and Xbox One game pre-orders | Toys R Us via 9to5Toys | Promo code FRIENDS20 Health & Fitness Gold's Gym Speed Jump Rope, 9' ($4)| Walmart via Ben's Bargains | A few bucks cheaper than elsewhere. You can save $1 on shipping by picking it up in-store. Augason Farms 12-Day Emergency Food Pail ($40) | Walmart | Even if you don't buy this, check it out for the product photos. Lezyne Femto Drive LED Light-Pair (Silver)($22) | Amazon | Perfect for bikes Automotive Koolertron F-12 ELM 327 OBDII PC Car Diagnostic Scanner ($8) | Amazon Clothing Nautica Men's N17583G NSR 08 Sporty Resin Watch ($88) | Amazon via Deals Kinja | Lowest price ever

Update a Vintage Boombox with a Line-In to Play Music from Your Phone

Old radios from the 1980s are cheap and easy to find. They also still sound fantastic, but the problem is that most aren't really compatible with modern hardware. DIYer Michaël Duerinckx decided the best way to update an old radio was to add in a line-in so he could choose his own audio source. The basic process here was a bit of trial and error until Duerinckx found a place he could wire in the new socket. Then, after a little bit of solder, the line-in was up and running. He added in a few modifications to the case so it looked flush with the rest, and now that lovely vintage stereo is alive again as a speaker. It's not exactly the easiest project in the world, but the end result is a set of speakers that only you will have. Head over to Duerinxkx's site for the full guide.