Lustrous Locks & Suctionware

by Ann Landi — September 25, 2006

Monday September 25th
Lustrous Locks

We love the many uses of vinegar and often publish tips for which this cheap and amazing kitchen staple comes in handy, but we never thought of it as a beauty product until WiredBerries member Susan Lyons from Detroit, MI, told us she uses apple-cider vinegar on her hair. Seems it strips hair of the buildup from shampoos and conditioners and balances the alkalines that make hair dull. Used once a month, the upshot is a shinier mane. Simply warm two tablespoons of apple-cider vinegar in the microwave and apply it to hair as a final rinse after shampooing and conditioning. Yes, your hair will retain a slight vinegar odor for a few hours, so save this beauty remedy for solo days at home.

Tuesday September 26th
Smoothie of the Week

As promised, a new smoothie for the week of 9/25: pineapple-banana-rum. Yum.
½ cup orange juice
½ cup crushed pineapple, with juice
1 medium banana, sliced
1 tablespoon honey
1 6-ounce carton of plain yogurt
½ teaspoon rum extract
½ cup crushed ice
Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor; blend until smooth. Serves two.

Wednesday September 27th
Get a Grip

Design for Living’s line of Stixx suctionware takes the mess out of many everyday kitchen tasks. A suction base on graters, salad spinners, mixing bowls, and cutting boards keeps them from slipping around on countertops and prevents spills and flying objects. We especially like the line of babyware: the suction base on one bowl locks it firmly in place, so your little one can’t hurtle dinner across the room (about $23). Makes a great baby gift (www.dfl-designforliving.com).

Thursday September 28th
Pick-Up Chix

Transferring roast chickens or game hens from pan to cutting board is another messy kitchen headache. In the WB kitchens, we poke a long metal skewer through the cavity, and pick it up with both hands. More of the juice stays in the pan, and you won’t burn your hands.

Friday September 29th
Eco Dish Soap

If you don’t mind spending a little more for dishwashing soap ($5 for 16 fluid ounces) and want to express your concern for the planet, try Mrs. Meyer’s all-natural geranium liquid dish soap. It smells great and it’s kind to your hands, too (www.mrsmeyers.com).

Do you have a kitchen or household tip, a beauty remedy, or a special product that you’d like to share with other WiredBerries members? If so, please send it to bettermousetrap@wiredberries.com, and we’ll be sure to give credit where credit is due!