New Years Resolutions - Out with the old and in with the new!

Happy in between week ladies, we hope you had a fabulous Christmas and overindulged totally, because after all that is what its about heh?? well its that time again...... time to talk New Years Resolutions aarrrgh!!!!!!!!1

New Year's Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It's a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. Did your New Year resolutions make our top ten list?

1. Spend more time with family and friends.

Apparently more than 50% of Westerners vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends in the New year. Make plans to meet up with friends for an evening of camaraderie at a fave Restaurant or take the family to one of these fun outdoor hangouts for some family fun Work shouldn't always come first!

2. Fit in some Fitness.

The evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better. Why not make this the time to start getting in shape for one of these popular charity walks or runs. 

3. Tame the Bulge

Over 66 percent of Adult westerners are considered over weight or obese by recent studies, so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular New Years resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program, and the key to success for those millions of people who made a New Years commitment to shed some extra kilos.

4. Quit smoking

If you have resolved to make this the year that you stamp out your smoking habit, over-the-counter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides so much easier access to proven quit-smoking aids. Even if you've tried to quit before and failed, don't let it get you down. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good. Start enjoying the rest of your smoke-free life!  Locally, there are a variety of free support services, hot lines and smoking cessation classes to help you kick the smoking habit. 

5. Enjoy life more

Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of people, it is no wonder that "enjoying life more" has become a popular resolution in recent years. It's an important step to a happier and healthier you!  Just get out and try something new! Take up a new hobby or try your hand at bike riding Go to a theatre performance or head to the local spa.  A wealth of artistic and recreational activities to meet just about any one's wishes, is at your feet. 

6. Cut back on drinking

While many people use the New Year as an incentive to finally stop drinking, most are not equipped to make such a drastic lifestyle change all at once. Many heavy drinkers fail to quit cold turkey but do much better when they taper gradually, or even learn to moderate their drinking. Set yourself a goal such as "just on weekends" and see how you go .

7. Get out of debt

Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions of people who have resolved to spend this year getting a handle on their finances. It's a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead. 

8. Learn something New

Have you vowed to make this year the year to learn something new? Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language, or just how to fix your computer? Whether you take a course or read a book, you'll find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating New Year's resolutions to keep.

9. Help others

A popular, non-selfish New Year's resolution, volunteerism can take many forms. Whether you choose to spend time helping out at your local library, mentoring a child, or building a house, there are many nonprofit volunteer organizations that could really use your help. Or if your time is really in short supply, maybe you can at least find it in you to donate the furniture, clothing and other household items that you no longer need, rather than leaving them out by the curb to fill up our landfills. 

10. Get organised

On just about every New Year resolution top ten list, organization can be a very reasonable goal. Whether you want your home organized enough that you can invite someone over on a whim, or your office organized enough that you can find the stapler when you need it, these tips and resources should get you started on the way to a more organized life. There are quite a few professional organisers around who can help you reduce the clutter in your life and find peace in your home.

Making a Difference

The Starfish Story Original Story by: Loren Eisley

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and 

gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, "What are you doing?" The 

youth replied, "Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I 

don't throw them back, they?ll die." "Son," the man said, "don't you realize there are miles and 

miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can't make a difference!" After listening politely, 

the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at 

the man, he said, "I made a difference for that one."

Motherhood - Children of the World

G'day Ladies,

I came across some of these beautiful shots of different children throughout the world, arnt they all just beautiful? if you want to see some more check out Lisa's page and there are hundreds, so it made it very hard to choose some to display, hope your Christmas preparations are going well??  xx A

Tips on Tuesday - The perfect Christmas Lunch!

Hello again girls

Well here we are at that magical time of year again. The countdown has officially began to your Christmas dinner, so it is time to get planning!! 

1. So the number one key to the perfect Christmas meal is planning!! Sit down with your books and decide what culinary delights will be on the menu this year. To keep things interesting, mix some new recipes in with your trusty old traditional dishes ones. Maybe try a new starter or a new side dish. But remember, Keep it Simple, the last thing you want is to spend all Christmas morning slaving in the kitchen!!!
2. Make sure you get loads of help. It is Christmas time, the house is full of people that should be able to peel a potato, so make sure you delegate any jobs you can.
3. OK, so it is Christmas Eve, the menu is planned and the shopping is done. It is time to pour yourself a glass of Baily's and start the prep work for tomorrows feast. Prepare any food you can in advance, peel the vegetables and leave them soaking overnight in water, prepare the stuffing (it will taste better the next day anyway) and remember to leave your turkey at room temperature overnight ( this will reduce the cooking time, leaving you time to enjoy a glass of ANYTHING before dinner).
4. Lay the table the night before, so everything is ready to go for the big event. Remember to set the plates with a small treat such as walnut whirls yum! this makes the table setting look super special.
5. Make sure you are cooking recipes you have tried out and are comfortable with the timings. Timing is the second key ingredient to a perfect Christmas dinner, the last thing you want is your veggies getting all soggy while waiting for the turkey to finish cooking.
6. Serve your meal with some nice wine, it is the one meal of the year you can splash out a few extra dollars on a special bottle of wine to accompany all that delicious food you have spent hours preparing.
7. Don’t make too much food. I know it is hard to do, but just think the money you save from not overbuying food, you can spend on that special bottle of wine!
8. The final key ingredient is to relax and enjoy yourself. There is no point in stressing out in the kitchen, armed with some basic tips you are guaranteed to enjoy the perfect Christmas meal.

Christmas inspiration - Have a hap hap happy Christmas!

There is nothing better than the Griswald family especially at Christmas dont you think? xx A

Beauty - in the Silly Season

Ladies, we have talked diet now we will talk beauty, here are my tips for getting through the silly season, looking radiant and relaxed. Even if you’re not ha ha x

HYDRATE YOUR SKIN LIKE NEVER BEFORE.

Now is the time to pack your skin with more moisture than a sea sponge, and the way to do that is with a moisture mask. Y’see, when your skin is dehydrated, it looks dull, sallow and dare I say it, old. So, by popping a hydrating and radiance mask to your face the morning after a big night, and probably the night after that, too, you’re chances of faking feeling alive increase significantly. Factors like alcohol, poor diet, lack of sleep and not enough water all contribute to lifeless skin, so if you can’t curb those vices, you better hit your tub of moisturiser and facial masks STAT. Oh, and drink, drink, drink as much water as possible. Try: Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Masque, or Dermalogica Multivitamin Recovery Masque (an ambulance in a bottle)

2. WHILE YOU MAY BE TEMPTED TO PLASTER ON THE MAKEUP, DON’T.

It’s only natural to wake up, see our ‘not as radiant as it once was’ skin and think, ‘Eek, where is my full coverage foundation?’ and plaster the stuff on like wallpaper, but ladies, now is not the time for that. No, no, the more you clog your pores, the more your skin will freak out and the cycle continues. Instead, try a tinted moisturiser with illuminating particles (you know I’m obsessing over the Napoleon Perdis Advanced Mineral Makeup is a weightless liquid foundation laced with light diffusers, long-wear capabilities and a semi-matte finish.  , a touch of creme blush and some concealer to cover those dark circles of yours.

3. FAKE IT IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE.

First up, if you’re not sporing a fake tan right now, I suggest you skip off immediately and get one. Yup, right now. A fake tan will help you look and feel amazing and also lift the colour of your skin, giving you a healthy, fresh, natural glow, try a MagicTan for a natural all over colour Secondly, fake wide awake eyes by curling your lashes and applying a brown Napoleon Perdis mascara. Avoid dark colours on your eyes if you’re tired, they’ll make you look worse. Then, grab a metallic white eye shadow and apply it to the inner corners of your eyes, this is another one of those super handy makeup tips we learn from the pro’s and LOVE.

4. NATURAL MAKEUP IS ALWAYS BEST

When you’re tired, rundown and maybe even a little bit hungover, you really don’t want to draw attention to yourself,  So, keep your makeup neutral (no bright lipstick this week, please) and perk up a tired looking mouth with a natural lip gloss that’s as close to your natural lip colour as possible. One of my personal favourites is the Napoleon Perdis Luxe Lipgloss It smells yummy so you get the mad added bonus of lollies. Winner.

5. IF ALL ELSE FAILS, WEAR MASSIVE GLASSES AND A DO NOT DISTURB SIGN

Quote Of The Day

Body Image - Moderation moderation and some more moderation!

Happy Monday Ladies, wow this has been a busy year and I cant believe the silly season is upon us already, I have finished my shopping and ordered my food, so i feel at least a bit in control....... for now,

Ha ha ha APPARENTLY Christmas is the time of year when you're 'allowed' to indulge in all foods, yet you're also expected to look fabulous in slinky outfits. So how do you manage it? Check out the following five steps and try to avoid weight gain during the festive period.

1. Decide now to be more careful about what you eat this Christmas, but still enjoy yourself! You don't have to eat mince pies (unless you want to) to have a good time! Enjoy the company of friends and family you don't see that often, dance at the work party and play games with the children.

2. Be prepared. It is essential that you are mentally and physically ready. To get yourself mentally prepared, ask yourself these questions:

Do I seriously want to eat healthily and feel great at Christmas?
Am I resigned to the fact that I will gain weight over the Christmas period?
Do I want to face the task of losing the same weight a second time around?

If after serious consideration your answers are 'yes, I am serious; no, I am not going to gain weight and no, I don't want to lose weight a second time', then we're in business! Your attitude is the most important factor towards staying healthy and staying slim over Christmas. Don't underestimate the power of the mind.

Thoughts like 'Oh, I am bound to gain weight at this time of the year, I always have', or 'I'll get seriously down to losing weight again after Christmas' are negative. Ensure that your thoughts are positive. Replace, 'This year I want to stay slim during Christmas', with 'This year I will stay slim during Christmas'.

Develop this positive attitude and use the power of imagination to assume greater control over what you eat this Christmas. Then you can easily survive the temptations that will present themselves to you.

3. Know what your 'Christmas weight maintenance' goal is. It's the holiday season, you'll be eating out more and eating more rich foods, so your goal over the next few weeks can be simply maintaining your weight. That way, you won't be disappointed if you don't lose weight, while any loss will be a bonus!

But also remember that a healthy eating plan will give you a better chance of losing weight. Know what you are aiming for and be very positive about how determined you are to keep weight off between now and Christmas. Then, go for it!

4. Really want it! This is a weight maintenance goal for you, not for your partner, your family or anyone else. You really want to stay slim now that you've started taking care of your body and your health. Be selfish about it; this is your goal and the rewards and the benefits are also yours. As it is, you are the only one you disappoint here.

5. Believe that you can do it. It is certainly possible to keep the weight off leading up to Christmas. The only thing that might prevent you from doing it is yourself.

Lastly ENJOY and believe in moderation moderation and some more moderation xx A

Quote of the Day!

Quote of the Day!

Tips on Tuesday - Are you a Shopaholic???

Hi there girls,

I went shopping again today, and got totally sucked in by this young German guy who got "me" to buy skin care........ do you get it, yes the Beauty Therapist/owner of salon/skincare shop......... oops! I am starting to think I am a shopaholic, so I looked up some tips on how to save money (yeah right), but although you may not believe me I am going to put some of these ideas into practice...... it will be my New Years Resolution!
So here goes......


1. Free Stuff

Enter rewards programs to get free stuff, but be discerning some schemes don't offer anything you want and some you have to spend too much to receive a reward. Just go with the ones that give you points for spending on what you normally would purchase. Instead of saving on purchases, you can avoid having to pay altogether. Sounds good right?


2. Banks

Check the banks for a different interest rates for both savings and loans. Don't just go with anyone, get the best rates possible.


3. Sell Sell Sell

Everybody has unwanted goods lying around their home gathering dust - Well, you might as well sell them and with the cash you get you can invest for the future. See this is what happens when you do shop too much, you need more space to put things in don't you??


4. Budget (help!!)

The first way to save money is to identify what you have to spend and what your weekly costs are. Budgets aren't boring, saving hard earn cash can be exciting when you have a long term plan.


 and controlling your spending is the first step towards saving more money.


5. Eat At Home

Stop eating out and coffee-ing all the time and start eating at home you will save a lot this way and you will know what is in the food. Help save money by preparing your food at home and creating fresh food.


6. Haggle Existing Loans

Threaten to take your business elsewhere and you'd be surprised how flexible lending institutes can be.


7. Repair Things

Repair your goods before they become very expensive to replace. Wait too long and it may cost you dearly.


8. Quit Vices

Quit smoking and other vices that not only hurt your health, but they also cost your a lot of cash in the long run. Quit Shopping?????


9. Leave Your Money At Home

Don't take your wallet or purse with you when you go window shopping. At worst take a few dollars with you but leave the plastic at home, this was the most brilliant idea yet!


10. Buy Generic

Often generic brands are equal in quality to their higher priced competition. Buy Generic and save cash. One of the classic strategies to save money


11. Bake A Cake

Actually, bake anything you want - The more the better - cakes, bread and cookies they taste better too.



12. Evaluate Grocery Items

Are the items you buy useful? Don't just buy from habit, make educated product comparisons and you will save money in the long run.


13. Make Large Meals And Freeze leftovers

By making extra you can save on waste and avoid extra electricity costs.


14. Pack Your Own Lunch

Don't buy lunch every day or you'll rack up the costs when you could save money by making lunch yourself.


15. Buy A Slow Cooker

Having a slow cooker means you can use cheaper cuts of meat and still have tender, delicious meals.


16. Home Brew

Make your own beer it's fun and you will save a lot of money.


17. Use Power Saving Appliances

Keep your power bills down by using energy saving appliances.


18. Buy Goods In Bulk

Bulk buy stores are great just don't buy too much or you may just end up throwing food away.


19. Pay Bills Online

Why drive to the store to pay bills when you can save fuel and pay online.


20. Buy A Home Gym

This may keep you at home instead of at the shop...... what do you think??

xx A

Motherhood - Its easy to fall into a rut!

Hello gorgeous ladies

I have been wondering, do you ever catch a look at yourself in the mirror and not like what you see...... I don't mean physically either, we are our own worst critics I know but I am trying so hard to be aware of what I do and how I act, knowing that like creates likeness and children do as children see!

I remember a time after my first baby Imogen was born that I realized I didn't like who I was becoming. My moment of clarity came while watching my husband bathe her. From where I was sitting, the bath water was too cold, the soap was all wrong, the washcloth forgotten, and the wrong non baby towel chosen. I seemed unable to keep myself from commenting so one enjoyed bath time that night and the feeling it left stayed with me for a long time. 

Almost 7 years and two kids later, I've become skilled at noticing the little ruts we mums can find ourselves in - patterns and attitudes that transform good mums into people we don't like. I've sorted these morphed-mums into groups.

The Critic: 

This is the bath time experience I just described - mum is commenting from the sidelines as dad tries to bathe the baby. The Critic believes that her way is the best way and a pattern emerges: My husband says his self confidence has disappeared since the kids were born - apparently its "my way or the highway"!
For example:

• - Dad attempts to interact and care for baby;
• - Mum disapproves and ‘helps' by providing suggestions (ha ha criticism;)
• - Dad loses confidence and is reluctant to care for baby;
• - Mom gets frustrated and resents dad of not pulling his weight.

Mum has now created her own monster. Dad has been made to feel useless and that is exactly what he has become. These days, when dad dresses the children in uncoordinated outfits, I keep quiet. Before the Critic speaks, she needs to ask herself  "does it really matter?"

The Nag:

What differentiates the Nag from the Critic is her tone of voice. We know we can be polite and respectful because we hear ourselves talk to our friends and her mother. However, when the question or favour is directed at our husbands, the tone completely changes and all "pleases" and "thank-yous" are completely abandoned. My husband still calls me Jekyll and Hyde, he says my mood completely changes when around people other than him. oh does that mean I am a nag and a critic?? When mums are exhausted by a new baby or energetic children, it's easy to fall into the habit of barking orders at your husband.. At the end of the day it doesn't make either parent feel good. 

The Score-Keeper: 

This is the mum who thinks nappies should be changed according to a schedule of "whose turn it is." If the man is going out with friends on Friday night, you better believe mum's going to spend all day Saturday at the gym or shopping. After all, it's only fair, isn't it? I believe children can interpret this score keeping as parents getting "stuck" spending time with their children. Kids should feel that both parents want to be with them all the time - even during those times we might not.

The Complainer:

I don't think there's anything wrong with having a good rant with your girlfriends - they can make for good sounding boards. But the Complainer takes it to a higher level. She can recognize herself by asking: does the phrase "I'm tired" find its way into every conversation she has? A sub-category is The Competitive Complainer. This describes the mum who if husband had a tough day at work, she had a tougher day at home. The reality is, being tired is what we signed up for and it is exclusive to no one. This mum needs to remind herself that complaining is not pro-active. If there is a problem, do something about it. I've personally never found that saying "I'm tired" lends itself to more sleep, have you??

Motherhood is hard work, very hard work. It's no surprise that at various times during this journey we find ourselves developing some of the symptoms that put us into one of these morphed-mummy categories. I've learned that catching myself as the Critic, the Nag, the Score-Keeper or the Complainer, makes me unhappy with my behaviour and certainly doesn't make any valuable contribution to my family. We all find ourselves falling into these ruts from time-to-time, but with some quick recognition of the signs - there's plenty of time to climb out!

Food for thought
xx A

Happy Monday!

Good Morning Ladies, It has been ages, a good friend of mine pointed out to me last week that she has been missing my posts (sweet) so I thought I would write again, and I have really missed it.  Time is just slipping me by at the moment. The "Silly Season" is just that for a reason, but mine seems to start way back in September for some reason..... I suppose that is the start to our busy time at the Salons.

Anyway loads and loads has been happening.... we have a puppy!! Ruby, she is a Cavoodle and is Red in colour and so adorable, we searched and searched and finally had to fly her over from NSW. Funny, I don't often buy online, this (or Ruby) was my first real purchase ha ha and she came fully delivered to my door last Friday. I have also been busy Christmas shopping, trying to settle new staff and new treatments and fitting all the "school stuff" in, and then there is the "list"!

I have this list........ my husband hates it........ and he is right. He says "throw it away and don't have one", but I cant, I literally cant function without my list, and it does get longer and longer and..........longer!

I DO HAVE TO GET RID OF IT........ but first I have to finish it.

Happy Monday ladies xx A

Quote Of The Day

I love this, its actually believable for once xx A

How to apply perfect eyeliner! - Beauty Corner

Hello Ladies, I have been so busy with business I regret I have negleted my blog, but these are the sort of things I have been busy working on, I found this great tutorial on how to apply eyeliner which I have shared with my facebook fans... enjoy!

1. As always we start with priming our eyelid to make sure that the makeup will last all day.
 Make sure you get some on the outer corner as well if you want a winged eyeliner like
 Angelina Jolie. I’ve used Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot (its a crime not to prime)

2. Get your favorite Napoleon liquid liner and line your lash line. You can choose if you

want it to end in the outer corner of if you want a little wing. If you want to wing it a little,

 make sure it’s at an angle with the outer corner of your eye and the end of the eyebrow.

The great thing about this technique is that it does not need to be perfect, but do it fast so

that it won’t dry before you get the chance to smudge it.

(Napoleon Perdis Neo Noir liquid eyeliner) draws like a texta.

3. Take whatever colour you want your line to be on a small brush and smudge out

the liner with the eye shadow. You can use brown or black for a neutral look, or go

for a colour that will compliment your eye colour. For example brown eyes look 

fabulous with green (Napoleon colour disc or loose dust) which brings out the

brown eye. Napoleon sable brush 5a is perfect for this.

4. …and apply Mesmerise mascara. How easy was that? :)

by make up tutorials

Motherhood - The best dressed parent ever!

Hello Ladies,


I am so mortified, the worst thing happened to me yesterday. Oh my God, I was sitting at Dome with friends 
(I use the term loosely because it was an accident that we were sitting together anyway and I have never thought that she has really liked me.)
I suddenly felt a tap on my shoulder, I turned to see an old lady. "Excuse me dear but your G String is hanging out, I thought I would tell you in case some not so friendly people start looking at you and think the wrong thing". What the............. what wrong thing???? I was SO humiliated and I have to set this straight, I am so conscious when I wear hipsters and would never knowingly let my G hang out....... and she wasn't being diplomatic either she was being horrid. Somebody on my facebook page suggested maybe it was time for "granny knickers" but no.......... I am so not ready for that, and anyway they would look soooo much worse hanging out don't you think? 


The funny thing is, the "Mum" I was sitting with, I never completely felt as though I FITTED properly in her circle....... I don't know why, but maybe I am a little " too" fashionable, which made the humiliation SO much worse. I cant help it, I love clothes............


At the school gate, as elsewhere, clothes express your tribe, and your status – where you fit in, in other words. Apparently if you look too groomed, you alienate the stay-at-home mums and miss out on themorning-coffee camaraderie. But I definitely get taken more seriously by the teacher on days where I'm dressed up for work, so if I've got something to discuss I save it for when I look smart. Like so many things, it's a balancing act for women. Whether you're a politician's wife or going for a job interview, you want to look stylish but not snooty. And it's human nature for other mums to want to be your mate a little bit more when you do look on trend.


Anyway there are two kinds of mums in the world: those who wear trackies/PJ's in public (she is this one), and the Best Parent Ever, who would never be caught outside the house in anything but full make-up, designer clothes, and heels.(I am this one - well I try anyway ha ha ha x)

Of course, some may admire the Best Parent’s effort to overcome the saggy-baggy doldrums of motherhood while on a simple kiddy-run to the playground. But is it really worth the effort of tottering perilously through the sandbox in heels like a drunken sailor? Or ducking  like a limbo-party reject beneath the metal loops of the jungle gym to preserve one’s freshly-styled do?

Yes, of course it is. Because no matter how painful or clumsy it may appear, the Best Parent’s stylish get-up is specifically engineered to make all the other sweatpants-wearing parents nearby feel even more fat, ugly, and hopeless than they already feel. This once again proves that the Best Parent Ever is not only better than you, they are “hotter” too.

So take that, mumsy, with your dowdy get-up and practical childrearing fashions. The Best Parent Ever may not be able to sprint over in time to stop their littlies from falling headfirst off the monkey bars, but at least they will look good trying, in a trashy, MILF kind of way (G String and all).

What are your thoughts on this? I do think its gross to let your G hang out, but lets face it accidents happen xx A

Quote Of The Day

Happy Monday!

Hello Ladies,

I hope you had a gorgeous weekend, we did, however it was very windblown here in Perth, and the wind has a habit of making you feel a little out of sorts doesn't it? We have a new friend living in the roof. He or she has been there a little while but last night I woke to what sounded like him using a hammer and nails to build a house of his own above my head. I need a humane trap..... now to find one.

Have a great week everyone xx A

Tips on Tuesday - The Magic of Vinegar!

Hello gorgeous girls,


I hope your having a great week so far , I found these fabulous tips on how to use vinegar in many ways shapes or forms, I already use it to clean the tiles and have been told many different ways of using it at other times, I just haven't put it into practice yet. Now is the time....... Some of these tips are amazing.  xx A

Unleash the power of white vinegar―an all-purpose cleaner, brightener, herbicide and more. Just a bit of this multitasker, straight up or mixed with water, can replace many pricier products huddled under your sink. Try these tips to see how vinegar can make your life cheaper and easier.

1. Freshen up the fridge. Clean the shelves and walls with a solution of half water and half vinegar.

2. Brighten coffee cups and teacups. Gently scrub stains with equal parts vinegar and salt (or baking soda).

3. Eliminate odors. Swab plastic containers with a cloth dampened with vinegar.

4. Kill bathroom germs. Spray full-strength vinegar around the sink and tub. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

5. Save a garment. To remove light scorch marks on fabrics, rub gently with vinegar. Wipe with a clean cloth. This technique also works on antiperspirant stains.

6. Tidy up a toilet. Pour a cup or more of diluted white distilled vinegar into the bowl. Let sit several hours or overnight. Scrub well with a toilet brush and flush.

7. Lose the carpet stain. Make a paste of 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar and ¼ cup salt or baking soda. Rub into the stain and let dry. Vacuum the residue the next day. (Always test an out-of-sight part of the carpet first.)

8. Renew paint brushes. To remove old paint, place brushes in a pot with vinegar. Soak for an hour, then turn on the stove and bring the vinegar to a simmer. Drain and rinse clean.

9. Wipe off a dirty faucet. To get rid of lime buildup, make a paste of 1 teaspoon vinegar and 2 tablespoons salt. Apply to sink fixtures and rub with a cloth.

10. Stop static cling. Add ½ cup of white distilled vinegar to your wash cycle. The acid reduces static and keeps dryer lint from sticking to your clothes.

11. Make old socks look new. Get the stains out of old socks and sweaty gym clothes by soaking them in a vinegar solution. Add 1 cup of white distilled vinegar to a large pot of water, bring to a boil and drop in the stained clothes. Let them soak overnight, and in the morning stained clothes are fresh and bright.

12. Restore handbags and shoes. Wipe white distilled vinegar on scuffed leather bags and shoes. It will restore their shine and help hide the marks.

13. Banish weeds. Pour white distilled vinegar on the weeds growing in the cracks of your walkway and driveway. Saturate the plant so the vinegar reaches the roots.

14. Liven droopy flowers. Don’t throw out cut flowers once they start to wilt. Instead, add two tablespoons of white vinegar and one teaspoon of sugar to a quart of water. Pour the solution into your vase, and the flowers will perk up.

15. Put an end to itching. Dab a cotton ball soaked in white vinegar on mosquito bites and insect stings. It will stop them from itching and help disinfect the area so they heal faster.

16. Whiten your teeth. Brush your teeth once a week with white distilled vinegar. Dip your toothbrush into the vinegar and brush thoroughly. It will help prevent bad breath, too.

17. Make nail polish last longer. Before you apply your favorite polish, wipe your nails with a cotton ball soaked in white distilled vinegar. The clean surface will help your manicure last.

18. Keep car windows frost-free. Prevent windows from frosting over in a storm by coating them with a solution of three parts white distilled vinegar to one part water. The acidity hinders ice, so you won’t have to wake up early to scrape off your car.

19. Let your dog shine. Spray your dog with one cup white distilled vinegar mixed with one quart water. The solution is a cheap alternative to expensive pet-care products, plus the vinegar will help repel pests like fleas and ticks.

20. Battle litter-box odor. Cat litter can leave behind an unwelcome smell. Eliminate it by pouring a half-inch of white distilled vinegar into the empty litter box. Let stand for 20 minutes, then rinse with cold water.

21. Kill bacteria in meat. Marinating in vinegar knocks out bacteria and tenderizes the meat. Create a marinade by adding ¼ cup balsamic vinegar for every 2 pounds of meat to your own blend of herbs and spices. Let the meat sit anywhere from 20 minutes to 24 hours, depending on how strong you want the flavor, then cook it in the morning without rinsing.

22. Prevent cracked eggs. Prevent eggs from cracking as they hard-boil by adding two tablespoons of white vinegar to the water. The eggs will stay intact, and the shells will peel off more easily when you’re ready to eat them.

23. Steam away a microwave mess. Fill a small bowl with equal parts hot water and vinegar, and place it in the microwave on high for 5 minutes. As the steam fills the microwave, it loosens the mess, making clean up a breeze.

24. Repair DVDs. If you have a worn DVD that skips or freezes, wipe it down with white distilled vinegar applied to a soft cloth. Make sure the DVD is completely dry before reinserting it into the player.

25. Get those last drops. If you can’t get that final bit of mayonnaise or salad dressing out of the jar, dribble in a few drops of vinegar. Put the cap on tightly and shake. The remaining condiments will slide out.

26. Rinse fruits and vegetables. Add 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar to one pint water. Use the mixture to wash fresh fruits and vegetables, then rinse thoroughly. The solution kills more pesticide residue than does pure water.

27. Brighter Easter eggs. Before your kids dye Easter eggs, mix 1 teaspoon of vinegar with ½ cup of hot water, then add food coloring. The vinegar keeps the dye bright and prevents the color from streaking.

28. Loosen a rusted screw. Pour vinegar onto the screw, and it will easily come unstuck

29. Remove gum. To remove gum from fabric or hair, heat a small bowl of vinegar in the microwave. Pour the warm vinegar over the gum, saturating the area. The gum will dissolve.

30. Keep cheese from molding. Wrap cheese in a vinegar-soaked cloth, then place in an airtight container and refrigerate.

31. Renew a loofah. Soak your loofah in equal parts vinegar and water for 24 hours to dissolve soap residue, then rinse in cold water.

32. Remove wax. If you get melted candle wax on your wood furniture or floors, gently wipe it away with a cloth soaked in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water.

33. Take a relaxing bath. Add ½ cup of vinegar to warm bath water for a cheap spa session at home. The vinegar removes dead skin, leaving you feeling soft and smooth.

34. Brighten your hair. Remove hair product buildup by rinsing a tablespoon of vinegar through your hair once a month.

35. Freshen fabrics. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spritz your home to neutralize odors in fabrics, carpets, shoes or any sprayable surface.

36. Erase crayon. If your kids get crayon marks on the walls or floor, dip a toothbrush in white vinegar and gently scrub. The vinegar breaks down the wax, making for an inexpensive, nontoxic way to clean up after children.

37. Sticky stickers. Don’t scratch at the residue left by stickers or price tags. Instead, apply vinegar to the gunk, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe the glue away.

38. Clean the dishwasher and coffee pot. Reduce soap buildup and food residue by pouring a cup of vinegar into your empty dishwasher or coffee pot once a month and letting it run a full cycle.

39. Sanitize pet accidents. You can remove the stain―and smell―of your pet’s accident by mixing ¼ cup vinegar with a quart of water and blotting the mixture onto the mess with a washcloth. Continue dabbing until the spot is gone.

40. Prep for summer grilling. To remove charcoal buildup from your grill, spray white distilled vinegar on balled up aluminum foil and scrub the grate thoroughly.

41. Restore shower head pressure. If your shower head gets clogged with mineral deposits, soak it for 15 minutes in a mixture of ½ cup vinegar and 1 quart water.

42. Clean your scissors. When your scissor blades get sticky, wipe them down with a cloth dipped in full-strength white vinegar. Unlike soap and water, vinegar won’t ruin the blades or rust the metal.

43. Unclog drains. For a natural, nontoxic way to clean clogged pipes, pour one cup of baking soda, followed by one cup of white vinegar, down the drain. Let the products bubble and foam, then flush the pipes with a pot of boiling water.

44. Eliminate dandruff. If your scalp is feeling dry or flaky, vinegar can be a simple at-home remedy. Once a week, pour one cup of apple cider vinegar over your scalp, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.

45. Soften your feet. Summer sandals leaving you with cracked heals and calluses? Soak your feet for 20 minutes a day in one part vinegar to two parts warm water. The vinegar removes dead skin, leaving your feet soft and smooth.