For the love of ... apple cider vinegar

My pal Flo (an organic beautician at Roseville Chase in Sydney Australia, 02.9417 7114 – a trusted source of alternative beauty tips) put me onto using a spray of apple cider vinegar as hair rinse to get all the soap out and as a general anti-fungal. It works a treat and leaves my hair looking shiny too.

You can also use it to spray the floor after a shower to kill any bugs, Flo says, and if you have a fungal problem then give your toes a spray. Same goes for pets. Cowboy’s picked up folliculitis, of all things, meaning his fur’s been breaking off and falling out in black clouds everywhere due to the skin infection. So, this weekend, I’ll pop him in the laundry tub, lather him up and rinse the shampoo off with apple cider vinegar and water. He’s going to be really happy about that but he’s a good cat and grins and bears it … for the first 10 minutes, at least.

A dose (two teaspoons) of apple cider vinegar morning and night when you’re travelling and consuming dodgy food and water will deter any nasty bugs you might pick up, according to my Helios homeopathic travel kit (a gem that’s been worth its weight in gold. I’ve used it many times on short trips and long – it has saved me from a massive hangover more than once when I’ve been overindulging in whiskey.) Use organic and unpasteurised and unfiltered for best effect – especially if you’re going to drink it.

AC vinegar is also great to alkalise your system (unlike whiskey) and works similar to lemon juice so you could have two teaspoons with water twice a day or 20 minutes before food to load up on the good bacteria and give the baddies the elbow. Much cheaper than those expensive probiotics! Even though vinegar’s acidic it becomes alkaline in your system, apparently. And that’s a good thing. You might want to add a wee spoonful of honey, though, as it’s a bit lip puckering to my taste. Pauline’s Mum swore by a dose every morning with a drop of lovely New Zealand honey – and she was arthritis-free well into her 80s.

Google apple cider vinegar as there’s so much else you can do with one bottle, it’s gobsmacking. Cheap, effective, with no nasty chemicals and sort of tasty … glug glug glug. -- Sage

Saving graces on the beaches

My friend Jessica has settled in Sydney's gorgeous Northern Beaches after globe trotting as English teacher to Nepalese orphans, tomato picker, champagne-bottle turner, hostel manager, masseur and reiki-er ... On her travels, she learned to enjoy herself on a limited budget. Jess is now saving for a Philippines trip at Christmas with Felippe (left) and reveals her saving secrets. – Sage

How do you save and have fun?

Jessica: For weekends, we picked two of our favourite treats that cost $$ and capped them at so much each or a couple. Felippe and I like to go to the cinema, so we now smuggle in drinks and snacks bought cheaply elsewhere so we just need the price of our ticket. We found local restaurants which have good quality food that matches our budget. We have table water and don't splash out on drinks. We always sandwich expenditure by doing something that's free like a long walk along the beach or surfing.

How about during the week?

J: I don't spend money on a gym -- I exercise outdoors in nature. I take a high-carb lunch to work so I can have a lighter evening meal. After work, I hold off cravings with a banana or crackers and take a brisk walk alternating with running as my fitness builds or swim in the ocean when it's warmer.

What about shopping?

J: On the weekend, I stay away from temptation and avoid shops, except getting groceries. I look at what's in the pantry and plan the week's meals then make a list. I buy fruit in season, not hard in Australia, and make a fruit salad that lasts three days and gives me all the vitamins and minerals I need. Natural yoghurt is cheaper than flavoured and the good bacteria keeps me happy on the inside. A block of high cocoa chocolate is a feel-good way to keep sweet cravings under control and lasts a week or two. And I always take dried fruit and nuts to snack on while I do food shopping so I'm not tempted.

What do you splash out on?

J: I buy organic where possible, especially animal products like meat that's free of nasties, and definitely 'kind' eggs. I go to a greengrocer for fruit and veg rather than a supermarket as their foods are more likely to be sourced from the farm and less chemically treated.

PS Five ingredients you always have on hand?

J: Ginger, garlic, honey, lemon and fresh basil. Use liberally for great taste and glowing health.