Urawaza

Photo: Andrew Narwocki

FOUND IN TRANSLATION No worries if you don’t speak a lick of Japanese. Urawaza, a book filled with imported Japanese home and lifestyle tricks, is written entirely in English. Want to revitalize that tiny sliver of bar soap? Pop it in the microwave and watch it expand. Forgot wool sweaters don’t go in the dryer? Soak ’em in water plus hair conditioner to make a shrunken sweater wearable. Tired of a foggy bathroom mirror? Just rub a sliced and peeled potato on the glass before showering. There are more than 100 additional tips, and author Lisa Katayama explains the science behind each one—so you can impress others with your newfound knowledge. Beat that, Martha Stewart. $10 at amazon.com.