Fashion
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Do you use bedhead spray? I still keep a bottle around
Japan has simple bedhead-fix sprays—cheap water + alcohol mists that tame stubborn kinks without soaking your scalp. They’re rare overseas, so here’s why I like them and what to grab if you visit Japan.
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Manhattan Portage messenger bag sizing guide
Wanted a Manhattan Portage messenger but the model list is massive. I mapped the sizes, suffix codes, and what fits to pick the right one.
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How to reliably remove that musty damp smell from clothes
That “wet rag” odor after washing comes from leftover grime + bacteria. Heat or oxygen bleach kills it; a simple hot soak with oxygen bleach works best.
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Understand SPF and PA to handle sunburn and UV care
Kids’ outdoor time pushed me to learn SPF/PA and UVA/UVB. The key isn’t just buying “the strongest” but using enough, reapplying, and picking numbers that match your exposure.
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Clear lint from Velcro with a toothbrush and packing tape
Velcro hooks full of lint? Lift debris with a brush, finish with packing tape, and the straps grip like new—no special tools needed.
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Waterproof rainwear, umbrellas, and windbreakers with Nikwax
Ran every nylon item through a Nikwax bath—rain jacket, windbreaker, and umbrellas—and got the water beading back without spray fumes.
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Picking a cost-effective waterproof spray and using it right
My old waterproof spray looked ancient, so I checked what’s on the market, how fluorine vs. silicone differs, and which ones make sense for shoes, bags, and rainwear.
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Our “mother’s bag” evolved from tote to backpack as the kid grew
Baby era needed a big tote; toddler years demanded hands-free backpacks. Here’s how our bag changed with our kid’s age and what worked (or didn’t) in Japan.
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Add zipper pulls to backpacks for easier opening
My KELTY daypack zipper was stiff and slippery with gloves. Copying outdoor jackets, I added zipper tabs—cheap cords that make opening/closing much easier.
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I tried buffing scratches out of my glasses and learned a lot about lenses
Tempted to polish micro-scratches off plastic lenses? I tested plastic polish and Pikal on old lenses and dug into coatings, heat damage, and proper cleaning.
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Cheap Uniqlo pack tees and the fight against pilling
I bought the 500 yen Uniqlo Dry Color pack tees, they pilled fast, and I tried razors, sponges, and a Tescom lint remover to rescue them.