Citrus Smoothie & Bathroom Balm

by Ann Landi — October 9, 2006

Monday October 9th
Handle with Cork

If your cookware has metal handles (which can become extremely hot) or you find using hot pads clumsy, Carol Tabb of Portland, OR, recommends sliding a cork between the handle and the lid of pots. The cork stays cool and allows for easy pick-up, and it will stay in place through many washings.

Tuesday October 10th
Smoothie of the Week

This week’s smoothie, a Hawaiian citrus treat, comes from Josie Aaronson-Gelb of Chicago, IL:
1 8-ounce can crushed pineapple in juice
½ cup guava juice
1 cup lemon sorbet
4 ice cubes

Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Serves two.

Wednesday October 11th
Date Minder

Forgot your mother-in-law’s birthday for the second year in a row? Can’t remember when your nephew is scheduled to graduate? The timely site called bigdates.com will send you reminders via cell phone and email for an unlimited number of appointments and big days a month in advance. The first three months are free; after that it’s only $5.95 a year. And there are links to e-greetings, so you can just click through to send the appropriate sentiment. (www.bigdates.com)

Thursday October 12th
The Last of the Tomatoes

“Summer has officially drawn to a close and sunny days are numbered,” writes Stacy Larsen of Portland, OR. “If you are looking in despair at still-green tomatoes, try this method for early-fall ripening. Pull the vines, strip most of their leaves, and hang them on a clothesline or other study cord somewhere cool but bright.” Good possibilities, she adds, are an enclosed porch, a sheltered patio, or a carport. The fruit will ripen on the vine for maximum flavor, and you may yet have a few home-grown tomatoes for salads and sauces.

Friday October 13th
Bathroom Balm

If you’re against the expense or sticky-sweet smell of commercial air fresheners, Emilie-Noelle Provost of Lowell, MA, recommends sprinkling a few drops of peppermint oil in your toilet bowl. “The whole room will smell great in just a few minutes.” She also suggests a few drops of the oil on a sponge before wiping down counters, or dab some on a cotton ball and place that between the liner and your trash cans.

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