Sock Soother and Kitty Corrections

by WiredBerries Readers — January 1, 2007

This week we've got the world's best family organizer, a great way to get rid of nasty cat accidents, and a solution for storing hair accessories. Plus our bowl-of-oatmeal smoothie offers a low-cal, high-protein way to start the day.

Monday January 1st
Simple Sock Soother

If the stresses and strains of the holidays have left you with more than the usual aches and pains, try this tip from Michelle Schank of Brooklyn, NY: “Take an old cotton sock and fill it with rice (regular rice, not instant or flavored). Tie the end of the sock with string, and microwave it for about one minute on high. Place the sock around your neck—or anywhere you’re feeling stressed or stiff.”

Tuesday January 2nd
Homemaker’s Handy Helper

Still looking for the perfect New Year’s calendar? Christina Frey or Eagle River, AK, looked high and low for a daily planner appropriate for her busy family life before she found Amy Knapp’s Family Organizer. “Each two-page spread covers one week and includes everything I need space for—daily appointments, a weekly to-do list, mini-calendars, menu planners, and stickers for birthdays, “no school” days, and doctor’s appointments. The soft-cover family organizer sells for about $15; the sturdier vinyl-covered edition is $25.

Wednesday January 3rd
Kitty Corrections

“One night last winter I witnessed a stray cat entering my own cat’s handy cat door,” writes Allison Marchese of Old Chatham, NY. “The cat didn’t stay, but left behind a puddle on my nice wood floor. I had read a while back that apple-cider vinegar neutralizes the ammonia in cat urine and takes out the smell. Well, turns out it works.” She now keeps it in a dollar-store spray bottle and uses it for all “caccidents.”

Thursday January 4th
Storing Hair Stuff

“My bathroom drawers and dresser tops were covered with my daughter’s hair accessories, but I could never find the right barrette or bow when I was doing her hair,” writes Patricia Garcia of Stockton, CA. Her solution: an over-the-door shoe organizer. The clear plastic allows her to store everything and makes her daughter more self-sufficient. “We use it for brushes, combs, curling irons, crimpers, bows, scrunchies, and pony-tail holders. “Now it’s a cinch to do her hair every morning.”

Friday January 5th
Bowl-of-Oatmeal Smoothie

This protein-packed smoothie from Anita McKenzie of Vancouver, BC, is like having a hearty bowl of oatmeal and makes a great start on cold mornings.

1 scoop of vanilla-flavored whey protein mix
1 banana, sliced
1 package of regular instant oatmeal
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon of tahini (sesame seed paste)
½ cup skimmed milk
¼ cup very hot water

Combine all the ingredients, adding the water last. Blend on high until creamy. Serves one.