I love using my smartphone to take photos and then upload them into the Google image search feature to find out what something is. I recently did this with some wildflowers to identify them and learn whether they had any medicinal uses. I discovered mountain mint, bee balm, and one long purple flower I can’t remember the name of—but they all have practical and healing properties. Good to know!

This image tool is useful for more than plants. While helping clear out my mom’s basement, I used it to figure out whether certain items should be tossed or could actually be sold. That’s when it hit me: I could be using this for one of my favorite hobbies I don’t make enough time for—thrifting. I often come across interesting things that seem valuable, but either don’t need them or can’t think of where to put them. A couple of weeks ago, I found some awesome mid-century modern drinking glasses I’m still kicking myself for leaving behind—I could have listed them on Facebook Marketplace or Etsy if I used this feature to find out what they were worth!

You might already know this, but if not—or if you haven’t thought to use it this way—it’s a simple but powerful tool for identifying, learning, and even reselling. Try it out if you are not already using it.