Green Tea Facial Toner and Smoothies-To-Go

by WiredBerries Readers — January 29, 2007

This week we have tips from readers for removing water marks from furniture, making facial toner from green tea, and zapping mildew and mold in the bathroom. Plus a source for ready-made smoothies and a website offering animal-friendly fashion and accessories.

Monday January 29th
Removing Water Marks from Furniture

To get rid of the annoying white rings and smudges left by damp glassware, try this tip from Heather Long of Pittsburgh, PA: “Mix equal parts baking soda with regular white (non-gel) toothpaste. Lightly dampen the corner of a clean, soft cloth with water and dip into the paste. With a circular motion, gently buff the marks for a few minutes, then wipe the area clean, buff to a shine, and follow-up with furniture polish.” Another method she offers that works especially well on dark finishes is to dip a cloth in vegetable oil, then in cigarette ashes, and rub the mark.

Tuesday January 30th
Green Tea Facial Toner

Selena Chambers of Stuart, FL, brews green tea as an astringent for her face, and then uses the bags for cold presses on her eyes (see our Beauty column on the subject of puffy eyes). Green tea, she says, is “filled with antioxidants that are good for the skin and can be used as a natural, chemical-free toner that closes pores and relieves red irritations. Her formula: Boil 6 ounces of water for each bag of green tea. Let the tea steep for an hour, and then after it cools pour it into a small bottle or jar and pop it in the refrigerator. Use it just like any other toner, after you wash your face or before applying makeup.

Wednesday January 31st
Smoothies-To-Go

Our smoothie of the week is ready-made and comes in four flavors—peaches and cream, strawberries and cream, caffé latte, and chocolate fudge—from lightfullfoods. For those times when you don’t want to break out the blender, each 11-ounce container weighs in at only 90 to 100 calories and is packed with 6 grams of fiber and protein. Available at $25 for a shipment of 12.

Thursday February 1st
Mildew Buster

Instead of using chemically hazardous cleaners on the mold and mildew spots in your bathroom, Kerry Lynn of Valley Cottage, NY, suggests dabbing hydrogen peroxide on a damp sponge and scrubbing the discolored areas of tiles and walls. Mixed with water, H2O2 is also effective for sterilizing countertops and door knobs.

Friday February 2nd
Critter-Friendly Style

Maybe you’ve cut out meat from your diet, but what about leather, fur, and other animal-based products in your wardrobe? Jackie Horrick started alternativeoutfitters.com to offer consumers hip, animal-friendly fashions and accessories, such as leather-look shoes, jackets, and handbags, as well as tee-shirts, cosmetics, and other items. You can browse by price or shop by brand names, and shipping is free with orders over $100.