Kathleen says, "Works For Me!"

I loved the blog about hair products a while back, and since it's summer and the straight hair challenge approaches its peak, I went looking for some of the stuff recommended right here by fellow riders. I did a search for one of the products--Nioxin?--something like that, and went straight to the nearest outlet, which happened to be a Great Clips. Met a helpful fellow who said that wasn't what I needed because my hair isn't thin or thinning, but fine and straight as it gets. He suggested a root lifter, which I'd never tried. Said his favorite was Matrix because his clients report good results and it has a nifty nozzle. Apply directly to the roots. (Hair On! Apply...) Then hit with the dryer. Man, does this stuff work! Style in these pix may not look like much, but it had more volume yesterday. This is after it's held through sleeping, combing, and summer heat for 2 days! Dallas weather, do your worst. I'm packin' root lifter.

So I decided to do my own little pitch today for a couple of other summer lifesavers. (Okay, LIFEsavers is poetic license.) Here's the best stuff I've found to keep Bambi and Thumper away from my hostas. Tree Guard. Accept no substitute. It's hot pepper (cayenne, I think) suspended in the stuff they use to make plants shine. It doesn't wash away, so you don't have to re-apply except for new growth. I couldn't find it in the stores this spring--they said it had gotten too spendy--so I had to try some stuff that's supposed to drive them away with smell. It drove DH away, but somebody was still eating the hostas. Got the bright idea to Google Tree Guard and ordered online. This size is $20, but well worth it. Don't leave it in the garage over the winter. It gets gooey.

I try to get after the dandelions and what I call "mean weeds"--those thorny things I've only run into in MN--early and without chemicals, but I don't enjoy doing it on hands and knees. I discovered the "Weed Hound" when I was in a checkout line at one of the garden stores. "Does this work?" I asked the 16-yr-old at the till, who shrugged. "Absolutely!" said not one but two gardeners in line behind me. We've been friends ever since, Weed Hound and me. Step on the pedal, lift, and pop the weed out by hitting the knob on the handle. You can tell how much fun I'm having. (And you can imagine the guff I'm getting from the photographer.)

What's your latest tried-and-true find?


One more recommendation while I'm at it. After you've finished the yard work and you've done your hair, you'll want to get yourself a glass of ice tea and enjoy a good love story. If you're alone, read Helen Brenna's brand new book, Dad For Life. If it's you and your fella, our house gives two thumbs up to new dvd "The Secret Life Of Words" with Tim Robbins. Good characters, good performances, good script. Two wounded people, unusual setting, intense and very touching. The title obviously intrigued me, and it fits, as the saying goes, on so many levels.

Has anyone else seen this one? Comments?