Baker's Best of Health

Working or playing outdoors can make your hands really rough, but fancy store-bought hand lotions can leave your budget in bad shape! So here’s a make-it-yourself concoction that’ll make your hands soft and smooth, while keeping money in your wallet:


Boil 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary, 2 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers, and 4 cups of water in a small, uncovered pan over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Cool to room temperature, and then strain out the solids. Store the remaining liquid in a bottle in the refrigerator. Apply it to your hands with a cotton ball, and let your hands air-dry.

And don’t forget about your fingernails when you’re pampering your hands. Treat them to a home-spa beauty soak: Beat 1 egg yolk in a small bowl. Soak your fingernails for about five minutes, then rinse off the egg and buff your nails dry.

For a special finish, add a coat of clear fingernail polish to your nails. Dry it extra-quick by dipping your painted nails in ice water several times. The polish will harden in no time at all, so you can be on your way.