Beauty buys to save your sanity

New Uses for...

Cord Control

WHO KNEW EVERYDAY ITEMS COULD SOLVE THIS ONE? THESE FOUR

EASY HACKS BRING ORDER TO YOUR JUMBLE.

By Brandi Broxson

CHARGER MARKER End the “Whose charger is this?” confusion by wrapping differentcolored washi tape around the base for each family member. EARBUDS TO GO Keep earbuds from getting tangled or damaged while in transit by storing them in an eyeglass case.

PROP STYLING BY KATJA GREEFF; POLKA DOT WASHI TAPE, $13 FOR 3; PAPERSOURCE.COM COMPACT STORAGE Corral little chargers and wires with a receipt accordion folder. Extra credit: Label the file tabs with the appliance the cord belongs to. CORD HQ An ornament storage box is perfect for organizing lots of cords in one place. Secure each with a twist tie to keep things neat.

Messy work space? For ingenious tidying tips, visit realsimple.com/desk.

BIB + APR ON Soft and stain resistant, this smock fits kids from sizes 6 oM to 3T. It ties in sback so tots can’t wiggle out, and it’s waterproof so you ca rin r nse it clean. TO BUY: Toddler Bapron, $ o20; bapr nbaby.com.

STAYS-HOT BEVERAGE BOTTLE Keep coffee piping hot for eight hours or water cold for 36 with this triple-insulated mug. It includes a removable strainer basket for loose tea—or for keeping ice from knocking your teeth midswig. TO BUY: EcoVessel Perk bottle (29 oz.), $27; ecovessel.com.

E RGONOMIC Z

E STE R This plastic orb fits in the palm of y and fea-our hand tures a channel knife to turn rind into ribbons. Even better, it collect ts the bits of citrus while you zest, mfor less mess.

TO BUY: Chef’n PalmZester, $ $8; chefn. m.com

Little Helpers

SIX SMART PRODUCTS

T O MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIE R

By Brandi Broxson By Brandi Bro x s onBy Brandi Bro

CASSEROLE TO GO Carry homemade lasag (na or a batch of warm cooki ) es) with this handy poly-twi oll t te. It holds up to a 9-by-13-i pannch , withstands temps up to 250°F, and features sturdy handles that make transporting a cinch. h

TO BUY:

Hot Date Casse erole Carrier, $33; scoutbags.com.

S TRAININ G T O N GS Set this slotted sillicone tool by an ice bucket for easy serving or use it to grab a ba ay leaf from a pot of f soup. When the tongs are pointed up, a g gravity lock mechanism in the handle closes for r compact storage. T TO BUY: Spoon & Strain tongs, $7 to $9 (3 sizes); store.dexas s.com.

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S PRAYABLE G HE E With a higher smoke int than olive oil and a

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butter-forward flavor, his dairy-free spray is perfect for greasing a skillet for eggs or a a roasting pan for veggies. o Works on nonstick, iron, and steel surfaces. . TO BUY: Ghee Oil Spray, , ; $9; fourthandheart.com.

The Staple

Ifyour familiaritywith corn tortillas begins and endswith taco night, it’s time to get to know this versatile ingredient. Brushedwith butter and draped over a muffin tin, tortillas become an ediblevessel for ice cream.They’re also delicious as a binder in meatballs or tossed into a cheesy breakfast strata,where they play the role of cubed bread. Unlike flour tortillas, most corn tortillas are gluten-free:They’re made from a type of corn flour called masa harina. (Whether they’reyellow or white depends on the type of corn.)To keep them fresh and pliable, store tortillas in the fridge. Quick Ideas

1 CORN TORTILLA ICE CREAM BOWLS Brush 12 6-in. corn tortillas with 3 Tbsp. melted butter. Sprinkle with 1 Tbsp. sugar, 1 tsp. cinnamon, and tsp. salt. Drape tortillas, sugar side up, over upside-down muffin pan. Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool completely, then fill with ice cream and berries.

2 PEPPER AND PESTO TORTILLA STRATA Cut 10 6-in. corn tortillas into 1-in. strips. Arrange strips, 1 cup chopped roasted red peppers, and 2 cups shredded mozzarella in a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Combine 6 eggs, 1 cups whole milk, 3 Tbsp. pesto, and 1 tsp. salt; add to dish. Chill 1 hour; bake, covered, at 350°F for 35 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes, then cut into squares.

3 GLUTEN-FREE MEATBALLS Process 2 6-in. corn tortillas, 1 shallot, and 2 Tbsp. parsley in a food processor. Combine tortilla mixture, 1 lb. ground beef, 2 Tbsp. heavy cream, 1 tsp. salt, and tsp. pepper in a large bowl. Form 16 meatballs; broil on a baking sheet until browned, 7 minutes.

By Grace Elkus

Recipes by Ivy Odom