Massager Offers Kneaded Relief
Fed up with that pain in the neck or a constantly aching back? Consider the new Kneading Fingers Shiatsu Massager, a lightweight (7 pounds), portable device that simulates shiatsu--finger pressure massage.
When placed against the back, neck, arm or leg muscles, two mechanical “thumbs” on the top of the massager deliver a rhythmic kneading of muscles, much like shiatsu, a massage technique originally developed in Japan for samurai warriors. The “thumbs” are covered with fabric and rotate either clockwise or counterclockwise. They’re powered by a 30-watt motor inside the box-shaped unit.
The rotating nodes also can provide a soothing foot massage.
Kneading Fingers Shiatsu Massager costs $169.95, plus $10 shipping and handling, and has a 30-day trial period with a money-back guarantee. To order, contact WellSpring Products Inc. 3325 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 302, Los Angeles, Calif. 90010; (800) 233-5152, Ext. 1700.
A Piece of a Rock Serves as Deodorant
Le Crystal Naturel is an unusual underarm deodorant that looks like a crystalline rock and is made of 100% natural mineral salts.
Imported from France by French Transit LTD, the deodorant rock is odorless and contains no chemicals, dyes or perfumes. It will last a year or more, according to importer Jerry Rosenblatt. To use, simply moisten it and rub it over your skin. “The more you use it, the clearer and brighter it gets,” said Rosenblatt.
Le Crystal Naturel retails for about $15 and is sold nationwide in department stores and specialty shops. In the Los Angeles area, it’s available at Bullock’s, the Broadway, Buffums, I. Magnin and Nordstrom. Or, call (800) 829-ROCK.
Book Is Full of Safe Housecleaning Hints
Better Homes and Gardens Books has released a helpful guide of tips for housecleaning. In addition to timesaving techniques, the book includes many formulas for making environmentally safe cleaning products to use as an alternative to chemical-based cleansers.
The “Household Hints and Tips” book contains 3,600 hints on organizing closets to maintaining the air conditioner. “Green Tips,” noted by a leaf symbol, offer environmentally safe recipes for cleansers. For example, mix borax with powdered sugar to create a pesticide for ants. The sugar draws the ants to the mixture and the borax, not harmful to humans or pets but lethal to ants, poisons them.
More on ants: crumbled bay leaves on windowsills keeps ants from entering the house; keep them out of the sugar jar by placing a dry bay leaf inside.
Use lemon juice as an ecologically safe way to remove corrosion on copper or to shine stainless steel pots. For scratches on wood furniture, pour cod liver oil on the scratch and let it soak in. Then polish as usual.
Better Homes and Gardens’ “Household Hints and Tips” is available in bookstores nationwide at $29.95 for a hardcover copy; $19.95 for paperback. In the Los Angeles area, it is carried by Waldenbooks or B Dalton Booksellers. Or you can order it from Better Homes and Gardens Books, P.O. Box 132, Des Moines, Iowa 50336. Add $2.25 for shipping and handling. Delivery takes four to five weeks.
Lynn Simross welcomes readers’ comments and suggestions for columns. But because of their volume, she regrets that she cannot respond individually to calls and letters. Write to Lynn Simross, Consumer Column, The Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, Calif. 90053.