July 2010 Keep-It-Together Checklist

Next time you head off to a dinner party or weekend brunch, leave the cookie-cutter terra cotta plant at home and bring a succulent or fern in cheerful ceramic mug or bowl. Choose a mug with the hostess’ initials to make it even more personal. Do it yourself in three steps.

After a day at the beach shake a little baby powder on your feet to absorb any moisture and the grains of sand will fall right off.

Before you even slip them on, spray them all over with Scotchgard and then wear only once or twice between washings.

Unsure how long that carton has been sitting in the back of the refrigerator? Simply drop each egg into a bowl of water. If it lies on its side on the bottom, it’s fresh. If it stands on end, use it within a couple of days. Eggs that float to the top should be tossed on the spot.

Just because it’s a catchall for odds and ends, doesn’t mean it needs to be disorganized. Restore order to your junk drawer so you can find what you need—fast.

For your SPF to be effective it has to soak into your skin. Bug spray on the other hand just needs to sit on the surface to keep pests at bay.

Tomatoes are finally reaching their prime. Look for ones that are richly colored and firm with just a little bit of give. Eat them within 2 to 3 days.

Studies have shown that music can improve your mood and well-being. Blast the Michael Jackson, and press repeat.

Breathe new life into mismatched flatware by transforming them into elegant hooks with just one bend. They’re perfect in the kitchen for hanging dishtowels or potholders.

Apply an intense moisturizing hair mask to wet hair, and then wrap hair in a warm towel. (Toss a damp towel in the microwave for one minute to heat it.) Relax for about 20 minutes, and then rinse hair with cool water.

Green knees are inevitable this summer for kids (especially ones who play sports). To banish those stains for good, pre-treat them with a solution of one part white vinegar to two parts water, scrub with a toothbrush, and wash with an enzyme-based detergent.

Most restaurants will list their most expensive dishes there since that’s where your eye normally lands first.

Clear out the clutter (and the expired cans from who knows when) and get your pantry in shape. Then you’ll actually be able to find that box of couscous you’re looking for.

Take advantage of adult swim to do a routine of basic laps, side kicks, pool push ups, and vertical kicks. In just 15 minutes you’ll have worked your whole body.

Put them outside in the sun for a few hours, flipping them halfway through. (Remove the covers if you can to avoid fading.) The sun will dry any lingering moisture, and the cushions should fluff up nicely.

Putting on eye makeup before your other cosmetics mean any colored speckles will be covered, and you won’t have to retouch your foundation at the very end.