Are you the type to nibble as you cook, and by the time the meal is done you're not even hungry? According to Martha White in Real Simple magazine, some peppermint fragrance in the kitchen will help you curb the habit. Time to run out and get a peppermint candle or peppermint essential oil home fragrance kit...
Have you ever felt that your clothes were picking up all the scents in the air -- the smoky bar, the stuffy closet, the garlic-laden restaurant? Real Simple magazine offers a neat solution; spritz them with straight vodka in a spray bottle. It kills bacteria and is odor free. Who thought vodka was just for cocktails?
If you're ever at a loss for a baby shower gift, these hand-knitted baby vegetable rattles are sure to please. They're hand knit in Peru of 100% soft vegetable yarn and the set includes carrot, peas in pod, cabbage, radish and tomato. They're on sale for $15.00 from Quiet Hours toys.
Jacksonpollock.org is a great mental distraction from any productive work you're doing! Just click and start "painting"! Highly, highly addictive, be forewarned.
I'm on a perpetual hunt for the perfect shade of nude lipstick, and I've found two that I use interchangeably (the photos don't reflect actual colors). Chanel's Hydrabase lipstick in Tempt, for $24.50 from Saks Fifth Avenue, is a perfect brownish pink. It's creamy texture and slightly rosy smell are delicious. Sometimes, for a more glossy look, I have Sephora's gloss lipstick in #117. It's a slightly lighter brownish pink, with a more sheer finish. Two nudes, take your pick.
This is a nifty solution for any parent who has tried to label their child's cup with a Sharpie or sticky label. The ink inevitably scratches off, and the label peels. BumpyName to the rescue with the "Original Orbit Label"! These FDA compliant bands can be boiled, sterilized, microwaved and dish washed, and you get to pick from a list of 200 names, or customize your own. They're $7.95 for a pack of 3 bands. Thanks for the tip, Elisabeth!
I found this no-frills website, Community Nail Polish Gallery, dedicated entirely to photos of users' nails painted in a multitude of colors, brands, and finishes. You can see "most viewed", "top rated", "my favorites", etc. It's fun to peruse, especially if you've run out of nail colour inspiration! The picture at left is Chanel's Black Satin, with 294 views. Now, why couldn't I have thought of this?
Looking for another way to protect against harmful UV rays? Just add Rit Sun Guard to your wash cycle, rinse and dry as usual. Recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation, using this can raise clothing's SPF to almost 30, and works even if your shirt is wet! I'd still slather on the sunscreen for added protection. It's available from Amazon for $20.00, and contains enough for 6 loads.
Bakelite was one of the first plastics invented and was a big trend in the 30's and 40's. What goes around comes around, and it's having it's day again. But before you stock up on retro cool accessories like this bangle, make sure you're buying the real thing. According to Araks Yeramyan of Lucky magazine, authentic Bakelite will have a heavy "clunk" sound when knocked together. Also, you can rub the item with your thumb until it heats up. Take a sniff, if it's a formaldehyde-ish smell, you've got the real thing.
Maybe I'm really late to the game with the minerals makeup revolution, but I'm impressed with bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation. It really is everything they promise! I ordered the starter kit for $60, and was swirl-tap-buffing in no time, thanks to the handy DVD included. Made from all natural mineral ingredients, the powders are silky, colours are natural, and can be layered to achieve the desired coverage. They cover blemishes beautifully, too, better than any concealer I've tried! It makes you look like you have great skin, even if you don't (like me). Try it for yourself, and post your comments here!
Just by chance, I happened to give my teething fifteen month old a bite of my corn on the cob. She took it out of my hands and proceeded to gnaw away at it, typewriter-style. Just stick in a couple of those corn-holder handles, and make sure the corn is boiled until soft. You'll have one happy teether chewing on something really good for her!
Just slip your laptop into one of these sleeves, and then into your regular bag, or over your shoulder with the detachable shoulder straps. It's well padded all around with convenient Velcro top flap closure and comes in several patterns and sizes, 13", 15" and 17". It's $36.00 from Brooklyn Industries.
The On The Go portable potty folds flat, snaps together in seconds, and uses nicely scented disposable liners. My three and a half year old uses it in the park, on the street (behind the stroller for some privacy!), even as we travel through airports, since she really, really, has a problem with those automatic-flushing toilets. This potty has come to the rescue on several occasions when no bathroom is in sight. You could even stash one in the car for road trips! It's for $9.99 from Amazon.
Just as no foodie can be without the ZAGAT restaurant guide, now NYC shoppers have the ZAGAT New York City Shopping Guide. On sale today, this guide lists over 2,000 stores in 50 categories including electronics, baby gear, cosmetics, shoes, bridal, furniture, and much more. Shopaholic or bargain hunter, never say you can't find it again!
Brushing teeth used to be a chore for my 3 year old, but no more! I got her the Little Mermaid Oral-B Power Head toothbrush and I have to limit her brushing to 3 times per day -- no kidding. She does it all herself, and I can rest assured that the small rotating head will work it's way all around her teeth. For $6.99 and a small Duracell battery, it's worth every penny.
If you're trying to get pregnant, and instead getting frustrated, please don't give up before reading this book. Taking Charge of Your Fertility is packed with good information that you typically don't get from your doctor, or in sex ed class! What I learned in this book worked for us - twice! - and I've recommended it to many friends. It's available on Amazon for $15.09. (By the way, it's also a good read if you're trying to avoid getting pregnant, too.) Good luck!
Whoever thought laundering shirts could help you get to your favourite beach getaway? American Airlines Aadvantage runs a program called Miles4Drycleaning. Find a local participating drycleaner, sign up online, and you're on your way to earning miles. And eventually, the beach!
Give the tooth fairy a place to rest her tired wings! Just download, print, cut out and glue. This adorable paper toy will delight little ones, and ease the pain of losing teeth.
There's no need to pay department store prices for excellent skincare products these days. Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer, from your local drugstore, comes highly recommended by dermatologists. It's lightweight, moisturizes well, and protects skin from both UVA and UBV rays - something even some more expensive moisturizers can't claim. Best yet, you can get it on sale for $9.99!
Ever feel stumped by birthday gift-giving? Delight any pre-schoooler with this 100% cotton, hand-knitted backpack. They can stow their treasures in the cotton-lined interior and look as cute as a button. For $38.00 from Craftsbury Kids.
If you're like me, many of your necklaces go unworn because they're sitting in tangles at the bottom of your jewelry box. According to Real Simple magazine, Baby Oil can provide a quick fix. Place a drop of oil on some wax paper, sit the knot in it, and work at loosening it with two pins. Afterwards, wash the necklace in warm, sudsy water. Now, get those necklaces out of the closet!
Ever thought it possible fight cancer and aging in one fell swoop? Well, the makers of POM Wonderful pomegranate juice have introduced POM Tea, a tea-based pomegranate beverage with the same free-radical fighting, antioxidant powers. Heck, even if it doesn't live up to it's superhero status, it just tastes so good!
Plain old file boxes are never an attractive storage solution. These MeBoxes from Design Within Reach, however, add some graphic fun to your storage dilemma. Snap together the double-thick cardboard box, then punch out the perforated discs to create a number, letter or symbol to identify the box's contents. Stow away toys, clothes, crafts -- you'll have a sight for sore eyes!
How many old cellphones do you have stashed in a drawer somewhere? Well, the Charitable Recycling Program is where used cellphones can go! Download and fill out the packing list, shipping label, donation receipt, and mail off to their Bloomfield Hills, Michigan address, or look up a collection site closest to you on their website. Then rest assured you've done some good for the planet.
Does your carefully blow-dried hairstyle deflate within a few hours? If so, Bumble and Bumble's Hair Powder might be just the thing for you. These color-tinted powders absorb excess oil, keep hair under control and prevent pins and clips from slipping. Pick a tint closest to your hair color, and you'll get the added bonus of a root touch-up too.
