DIY Life

Keeping tomatoes and citrus fruits in the fridge is a big no-no. Besides the fact that I hate cold tomatoes, their shelf life will be so much longer if it's not refrigerated. But did you realize that you should be storing them as far away from the refrigerator as possible? It's true --- keep tomatoes and citrus fruits away from the fridge (preferably on a sunny window's shelf) for the longest shelf life possible.

I don't know why it works, but it does. You should see your fruit's shelf life almost double if you test the theory. Plus, your fruit will be juicier, which means it will taste yummier. Bonus!

Want more kitchen hacks for smart food storage? Read on, friends:
-Like to buy in bulk? You need a vacuum in the kitchen! Make an 'Alvin' Vacuum Sealer.
-Want to know how to store cheese (and yes, there's a special way!). Cheese: There's More to it Than You Think.

Join me each week as I explore the naturally aromatic side of DIY. Helpful recipes for your "scentual" pleasure: from essential oils, herbs, and other botanicals to soap-making, body care products and other useful blends.

The mint in my yard is running wild just about now, begging to be plucked and used. That sure is handy, since it's hot outside! I could really use some cooling fresh mint in my beverages, to combat this sweltering heat.

I'm sure you must also have some peppermint essential oil around the house, right? You've got to have some left over, after making your chocolate mint lip balm and ant repellent, so pull it out and add some cool to your summer drinks.

After the break, I'll share recipes for simple syrup with mint, which can be used for a number of summery delights, and other refreshing minty recipes to keep your beverages interesting -- as well as hydrating.

In ye olden days -- those innocent days before electric-powered candles and robotic Santa yard decor -- people would handcraft their holiday decorations. And in the 19th century, the well-to-do would use oranges because at that time oranges were considered an exotic treat and, therefore, a bit of a holiday splurge. Quaint, huh? Makes sense, too, given that oranges are -- when you think about it -- extremely beautiful to look at. Then there's the heavenly citrus fragrance.

Back in those days, the ladies would make Christmas pomanders by decorating oranges with cloves. Not only did they look pretty, the combination of oranges and cloves also smelled terrific. Which I'm guessing was a refreshing change from normal household odors of the day like beeswax polish, horse manure, and oil lamps... Read more about the history of pomanders here.

Want to have a go at making your own orange pomanders?