These people are harder to work with than the openly competitive colleague because they like to undermine through devious means. You can spot a sneaky competitive colleague by the things they conveniently leave out. This includes things like:  Not letting the boss know you helped with a project "Forgetting" to send emails to you that concern you Standing up in front of the weekly work meeting and proclaiming they were solely responsible for some good outcome in which you played a major part. A sneaky person is unlikely to change his or her ways, so you'll need to manage around them. Start by keeping backup copies of everything you do, especially anything involving this person or their responsibilities. In the event the co-worker tries to place blame on you, or show you up in a negative light for anything, you'll be covered. Regardless of what is said openly elsewhere in the workplace, go ahead and let your boss know about your contributions privately. Make sure your performance is verifiable and unimpeachable, and use the paper trail you’ve been creating to back this up. If you suspect a co-worker is physically prying into your business, put a stop to it. Use secure PC passwords to protect any electronic files you use at work and keep your desk and filing cabinet contents locked with a key. Avoid sharing personal information about yourself with such a co-worker. Keep all conversations professional and distant. You may need to approach the sneaky competitor colleague directly, and call him or her on their tactics. This lets them know you're no pushover. If you find this approach too difficult, find other colleagues willing to approach the person with you, and/or talk to your boss about the impact this person's behavior is having on you. If possible, try to minimize your contact with this person. This doesn't have to mean avoiding your competitive co-workers altogether, but if hostile, negative, or undermining behavior is ongoing, stick to communicating with them only when you have to.

Summary: Spot the sneaky saboteur. Keep backup copies of everything you do. Keep your boss apprised of the work you've done. Cull their snooping. Call them out. Minimize contact.


You can use the bowl you will be serving the salad in, or you can use a different bowl. You will eventually be chilling the salad for a few hours, then draining it. Try to use a seedless cucumber. If your cucumber has seeds in it, you will need to core it first. Pour the vinegar and water into a jar. Add the sugar, salt, and pepper. Close the jar tightly, then shake it to combine the ingredients. If you don't have a jar, you can use a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. You can also prepare the dressing in a cup and stir it briskly with a fork or mini whisk. Gently toss the cucumbers to help distribute the dressing. Cover the bowl with a piece of plastic wrap. Place the bowl into the fridge and leave it there for at least 3 hours. This will allow the cucumbers to soak up the flavors from the dressing. Peel the plastic wrap off of the bowl. Dump the salad into a strainer or colander. Shake the strainer or colander over a sink to get rid of any excess moisture. Toss them with some chopped fresh dill or parsley, if desired. Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate it until you are ready to serve it.

Summary: Place the thinly sliced cucumbers into a small bowl. Prepare the dressing. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers. Cover and refrigerate the cucumbers. Drain the cucumbers. Place the cucumbers into a serving bowl.


If you don't have a spice grinder, a mortar and pestle, a clean coffee grinder, or a Vitamix will work just fine. A spice grinder simply gives a finer consistency and texture. Continue grinding the spices and checking until the powder is fine. Or, add it to a recipe right here and now. The spices won’t go bad for over a year, but they will start to lose their flavor after 3 to 6 months.  Avoid plastic containers because they absorb the flavors which are released as the spice mixture ages. A glass mason jar is a good storage container.

Summary: Transfer the spices into a spice grinder. Grind the mixture for 30 seconds, then check to see if it’s smooth. Store your the mix in an airtight glass container with a metal lid.


Washing your hair every day can strip your scalp of its natural oils, so try to use shampoo and conditioner every other day instead. Use a leave-in conditioner once a week for thick and full hair. Avoid conditioners that contain wax, which can weigh your hair down. Styling curly hair, for example, requires paying attention to what makes the most of the curls; don't try to flatten your curly hair with pomade or curl your straight locks on a daily basis. Doing so will wear out your hair and ruin its texture over time. Choose a hairstyle based on its natural characteristics so your hair stays undamaged. Using the right materials can make a world of difference when caring for your hair. A wide-toothed comb or brush with natural bristles work well with long hair. If you use rubber bands, look for cloth-covered bands to avoid tangling your hair with the bands. Excessive blow drying can dry out your hair and scalp, and it can damage your hair if you don't apply a heat protectant beforehand. Only blow dry your hair on special occasion. On an everyday basis, air- or towel-dry your hair.
Summary: Shampoo 2-3 times a week. Work with, not against, your hair's natural characteristics. Invest in high-quality grooming materials. Avoid blow drying your hair.