Urawaza: Secret Everyday Tips and Tricks from Japan by Lisa Katayama

I was over at my pal Julia's (Genius Organizing, co-producer of Mortified) in Brooklyn the other night and she had this great book called Urawaza: Secret Everyday Tips and Tricks from Japan by Lisa Katayama. It's no surprise Julia would have something like this on her spotless coffee table as she's a professional organizer and whatnot, and the book is chock full of clever, cheap, and convenient solutions to everyday problems.

For example: Got dull hair? I do! Want to make it shiny? Yes! Make a vinegar rinse with 1 part vinegar and 8 parts water and use it after you shampoo. Okay! Urawaza also tells you why the tricks work: Dull hair is caused by build-up of residue from hair products in the hair making ragged cuticles. Vinegar closes the cuticles and makes hair shiny. Believe it. I will!



Need to get gum out of your hair? Stop a baby from crying? Make a tiny piece of soap bigger? Prevent body odor? Clean up broken glass in your sink? Urawaza can help you with all of it. Makes a great gift!