jewelry with nutty appeal

Not into the dainty, delicate look of most jewelry? Then these modern designs using actual hardware might be just up your alley. This beautifully designed bracelet uses fine quality nuts with gemstones inlaid, and would add a modern twist to a simple black dress. It's $140.00 from www.iweardoyou.com

Ribbies Clippies banish tots' bad hair days

Ever wondered how to keep cute barrettes in your toddler's silky, slippery hair? Well, Ribbies Clippies are just the thing for you! These super cute clips not only appeal to a Modernist design sense with their clean, bright geometric styles, but the little foam insert keeps them firmly in place. My daughter's fine hair has defied every clip I've tried - except Ribbies Clippies! At $8.00 a pair, they make great gifts, too. (And who says fashionistas of "a certain age" couldn't wear them if they wished?)

Becky Ransey of Indiana recommends peroxide as bleach alternative

Here, I'm quoting the famous Becky Ransey email that circulated the internet recently extolling the use of peroxide as a bleach alternative. Here goes:

1. Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out. (I do it when I bathe.) No more canker sores, and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash.
2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of peroxide to keep them free of
germs.
3. Clean your counters and table tops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you wipe, or spray it on the counters.
4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.
5. I had fungus on my feet for years until I sprayed a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry.
6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes several times a day. My husband has seen gangrene that would not heal with any medicine but was healed by soaking in peroxide.
7. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will.
8. Tilt your head back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50 mixture whenever you have a cold, plugged sinus. It will bubble and help to kill the bacteria. Hold for a few minutes, and then blow your nose into a tissue.
9. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.
10. And of course, if you like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through You will not have the peroxide-burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, faddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually, so it's not a drastic change.
11. Put half a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help rid boils, fungus, or other skin infections.
12. You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on clothing, pour it directly on the soiled spot. Let it sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.
13. I use peroxide to clean my mirrors. There is no smearing, which is why I love it so much for this.

Boots for pedicures on cold days

Ever had a pedicure on a cold winter day, then messed it up a bit by sticking your feet back into your closed-toe shoes? Well, here's the thing for you! Bootie Pies: Pedicure Boots for Posh Toes are stylish suede boots with a patent leather toe that flips up when you get your toes painted, keeping the rest of your foot warm and cozy! For serious pedicure aficionados, they're available for $128.00 exclusively from Bootie Pies.