Here's the latest in stain-busting, from Tide: the StainBrush. Pour a little liquid detergent on the stain and scrub gently with the oscillating, battery-operated brush so that the detergent penetrates the stain. Then toss the garment in the washer. No more rubbing and scrubbing by hand or with an old toothbrush, says maker Procter & Gamble. The StainBrush should be in stores nationwide by Monday for $5.99.
Sweet-tart scent
Amazing fact of the week: The top-selling candle fragrance this year by PartyLite, a direct seller of candles and accessories, is strawberry-rhubarb. Three out of four candles carry this sweet-tart scent. That's no surprise to Chip Hinton, executive director of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association in Plant City. "Seventy-five to 80 percent of consumers who buy strawberries do not go to the store with the intention of purchasing them," he said. "They end up doing so because they are influenced by the fruit's fragrance and appearance." PartyLite theorizes that the candle appeals because it reminds consumers of spring and summer, a strong emotional memory in winter.
Gardening down South
Southerners spend more time gardening than people in other parts of the country, and our high temperatures and cycle of heavy rain and drought mean we have unique gardening needs. Everything you need to know about gardening successfully in the South is in the newly revised Southern Living Garden Book (Oxmoor House, $34.95). Its 720 pages offer more than 1,300 color photographs, 1,200 color illustrations and 7,000 plant descriptions. It also has how-tos, plant selection guides, and climate and heat zone maps, plus lots of secrets and tips from top gardeners.
Homes, homes, homes
Parades of Homes continue in three counties. Forty-four models and six communities in Pasco are on view in the annual showcase of new construction. See the ad elsewhere in this section for a map and listing of parade models. In Citrus, the parade runs today and Sunday and again March 6 and 7. Visit www.sptimes.com or www.citrusbuilders.com In Manatee County, 101 models are open through March 7; find directions and details at www.paradeofhomesinfo.com
Seeing the light
A decorating tip we'd gladly credit if we could remember the source: Think about what time of day a room will be used. If you use your bathroom mainly early in the morning or late at night, there's not much point installing a skylight that will provide light during midday hours. You might shy away from bright coral or yellow for a room that faces south or west, but if you're gone all day and use the room mainly at night, go ahead.
