Need the best printing and printer advice?

We have done a very basic non-scientific poll within our family and friends to bring this post.

I don’t know about you, but our humble printer has taken a beating since we have entered lockdown 3 weeks ago. I have had to print out a lot of documents for offline reading (how long can you read long documents on the screen?), the kids have assorted lesson plans for home schooling needs, and our whole household wants to try their hand at different games, recipes and all sorts of fun activities which can only be printed. I say all this is good news – as much distance away from a device for an offline activity is good.

There is, of course, a down-side to all of this. We have run out of not only printer paper, but printer ink. Twice! And our humble printer is showing signs of bulking against this onslaught of work. It never expected to bear a brunt of a whole household trying to use it 10x more than what it was intended for.

So we went searching for the best possible, most cost effective way to keep our printer running keeping in mind running costs and paper. At the same time, we wanted to find out what would have been the most economical printer. Here are our results, based on polling 25 of our friends and families and, of course, our own research.

So here are our poll favourites:

Most economical printer:

HP DeskJet 3755

Why? Compact, cheap and does it all. “It seriously does everything.”. – said the kids’ grandfather.

Second place:

Canon Pixma TR4520

Why? Not as compact, but faster than the HP. “I love the sharp colors it prints.” – said my brother in-law.

Most economical paper:

Face it, you don’t need to be printing reams of good quality A4 paper for every little recipe or project. These are the best recycled or throw away papers as voted by the quorom.

Buying bulk? Try the Hammermill 2500 sheet pack. “Best value for money.” – as ordered by the big family of cousins across the country.
Buying a small amount? Try the Xerox 500 sheet pack. “I don’t need much.” – said our lovely neighbour.

Do you want other ways to save on printing? Follow these tips from the group:

Only print when you need the most!
Print both sides – make it a default setting.
Print in draft mode.

This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something from those links, we get a small commission.

Looking for ink? Check out Cartridgepeople.com for the best online ink deals.

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If your scalp feels like it’s throwing a tantrum—dry, itchy, flaky, or just plain dull—it might be crying out for a detox. And no, I don’t mean a juice cleanse (unless that’s your thing). I’m talking about a quick, DIY Apple Cider Vinegar scalp scrub that clears product build-up, soothes irritation, and leaves your roots feeling like they just took a deep breath.

As a mum who’s juggled teenagers, a dog who lives to roll in mystery smells (looking at you, Aloo), and more dry shampoo than I’d like to admit—I can vouch for how this scrub revives my scalp after a week of messy buns and neglected hair care.

This isn’t just any scalp scrub. It’s a zesty mix of ACV, exfoliating sugar, and hair-loving oils that balance your scalp’s pH while giving it the gentle exfoliation it desperately needs.

Why Apple Cider Vinegar for Your Scalp?

Here’s the tea: ACV is loaded with natural acids that help reset the scalp’s pH, clarify buildup from hair products, and nix flakes from dry skin or even mild dandruff. It’s basically a multi-tasking miracle that costs less than a takeaway coffee.

Top Benefits:

Removes excess oil, dead skin, and product gunk
Balances scalp pH for healthy hair growth
Soothes itchy or inflamed scalp conditions
Adds shine and bounce to limp hair

DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub Recipe

This version skips the weird ingredients and keeps it pantry-simple, gentle, and effective.

You’ll Need:

2 tbsp organic apple cider vinegar (with “the mother”)
1 tbsp raw sugar (or brown sugar for a gentler exfoliation)
1 tbsp coconut oil or jojoba oil (for moisture + slip)
2 drops tea tree oil (optional, for flake-fighting power)
2 drops rosemary essential oil (stimulates circulation)

Instructions:

Mix It Up: In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Stir until it forms a grainy paste.
Pre-Wash Hair: Dampen your hair slightly (not soaking wet) so the scrub can grip to the roots.
Apply: Part hair in sections and massage the scrub directly into your scalp using fingertips. No nails—just gentle, circular motions.
Let It Sit: Leave on for 5–10 minutes if you have time. This allows the ACV and oils to work their magic.
Rinse Thoroughly: Wash hair with a gentle shampoo and condition as usual.

How Often Should You Use It?

Once a week is plenty for most people. If your scalp is super sensitive or prone to dryness, start with once every two weeks and adjust as needed.

Don’t skip the oil. Apple cider vinegar can be drying on its own—coconut or jojoba oil helps restore balance.
Sensitive nose? Add a drop of lavender or peppermint essential oil to mellow the vinegar smell.
Use it before coloring your hair. A clean, clarified scalp makes for more even dye uptake.

And if your teens roll their eyes when they smell vinegar in the bathroom, just tell them it’s your version of a salon day—minus the $150 price tag.

Great For:

Perimenopausal scalp changes (yes, your scalp joins that hormonal rollercoaster too)
After travel or swimming (goodbye, chlorine and dry airplane air)
Transitioning to natural haircare or no-poo methods
Flaky scalp under wigs or extensions

Bonus: How to Store

This scrub is best made fresh, but you can double the recipe and store it in a small glass jar in the fridge for up to a week. Just let it sit at room temp for 10–15 minutes before using.

So go ahead—treat your scalp to a reset.
It’s the foundation for healthy, bouncy, happy hair. And honestly, when your scalp feels good, everything else seems just a little less itchy and chaotic, doesn’t it?