Silverware turning black? Here's a tip to get them shiny



Before




After

Light some agarbathis and let the ashes fall into a plate or newspaper. Use these ashes with as little water as possible to scrub your silverware.

Try Robin Cuffs n Collars on any kind of stubborn stain

This I learnt from a good friend and there has been no looking back. This is my trusted cleaning agent.  No, I am not getting paid for this.

Use Cuffs n Collars for any kind of stubborn stain before washing in detergent.

• Use on oil stains
• Use on mud/dirt on cuffs of shirts, collars, pants, jeans
• Use on tea/coffee stains
• Use on embroidery/threadwork especially on the likes of chickan work tops

Castor oil for dry eyes

Being in front of the computer can cause dry eyes. Instead of heading out to the store to pick up artificial tears, here's what you can do.

• Take a few drops of castor oil in your palm.
• Rub palms together and then rub the warmed up oil over the eyes. 
• Apply the oil as close as to the lash line/eye lids and massage

Do this before heading to bed or before a bath.

My mom used to put in a drop of castor oil into my eyes. I am not sure how safe that is with the adulteration levels these days. So, I rub the oil on the outside and it does help.

Fluffy rice when cooking a pulao/pilaf

To get that fluffy, light rice when making a pulao or pilaf, do the following

• Once all the other masalas for the pulao are fried, put in the washed, soaked rice.
• Fry the rice till a nutty aroma comes out. Ensure it is well coated with the masalas and oil. This is about a minute
• Add water in the ratio 1:2 and let the water come to a boil.
• Cover the pressure cooker and when the steam starts to rise, turn the heat to low.
• Turn off heat after 8 minutes. 

Once the presure releases, fluff the rice up with a fork.

Conditioned Hair - less frizz

I've learned that to get the best out of oiling one's hair one needs to do a little more than just applying oil.

Here's what I'm doing these days to maintain the moisture and get the most out of the oil.

1. Warm the oil for about 30 to 45 seconds in the microwave before applying.
2. After application, wet a towel. Squeeze out excess water.
3. Place this towel in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds.
4. Take out and cover your hair completely with this until you feel it go cold. If you are microwave savvy, you do know that what heats up in the microwave, cools down just as fast.
5. Repeat 3 and 4 for about 4 times. 

Here are some other tips : 

• Never apply cold oil, at least massage it in between your palms before applying.
• Apply the oil with finger tips only.

Smooth, beautiful feet!

My friends always look at my feet and go "pretty feet". The trick is to keep your feet as clean as possible. Here's what I do.

• Always wear slippers when inside the house too
• Every night, wash your feet, pat dry and apply cream. Wear cotton socks and go to bed.

Monthly routine
1. Once in a few weeks, soak feet in warm water. Add your favorite essential oils and soap into the water.
2. Use a pumice stone or foot scraper and scrape away any hard or dry skin.
3. Dry your feet.
4. Apply cream generously and masage.
5. Wear cotton socks.