Homemade Body Scrub and Toasted Almond Fruit Smoothie

by WiredBerries Readers — January 15, 2007

Our readers this week submit recipes for a homemade body scrub and a toasted-almond smoothie. Plus ways to scuff-proof your walls, get burned crud off your pots and pans, and take the red out of an unsightly blemish.

Monday, January 15th
Scuff Shield

“Tired of having to wipe the walls every time Fido and the kids run up and down the hallways?” asks Heather Long of Pittsburgh, PA. “Apply spray starch to doors and painted walls along hallways and stairways where scuff marks and fingerprints accumulate. The coating will help to resist marks and scuffs.”

Tuesday, January 16th
Homemade Body Scrub

Instead of purchasing expensive exfoliants, Cara Hunter of Alpharetta, GA, makes her own organic-sugar body scrub, using pure essential oils purchased from-health food stores. Her recipe fills one medium glass jar (you can buy handsome bottles at craft stores or recycle from other beauty products).

1/2 cup organic turbinado sugar
1/4-1/2 cup (depending on preferred consistency) organic olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
4-5 drops your choice of pure essential oils, such as lily of the valley or sweet orange

Shake well before using.

Wednesday, January 17th
Burn Out

Almost everyone has a favorite solution for getting the burned gunk off pans. This one’s from Jan Buckner of Yakima, WA: “Cover the burned food with water and heat to a boil. Pour in two tablespoons of baking soda and let it boil for a minute. When the pan is cool, put it in the refrigerator overnight. The burned food will release much more easily.”

Thursday, January 18th
Toasted Almond Fruit Smoothie

Our smoothie of the week comes from Linda Kane of Cleveland, OH, and serves one generously:

1 cup orange juice
1 cup frozen peaches (fresh or drained from a can)
1 frozen banana, chunked
2 tablespoons slivered toasted almonds

Add juice to a blender or food processor, then add the remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth. (To toast almonds, spread them on an ungreased baking sheet. Place in a 350-degree oven for 5 to 10 minutes or until almonds are light brown; stir once or twice to ensure even browning.)

Friday, January 19th
Blemish Buster

Jennifer Larson shares her secret for getting rid of red facial “spots”—Visine! “Put a drop of Visine on a cotton swab and press it against the aggravated area for 30 seconds,” she writes. “It not only takes the red out but will last for a couple of hours before you have to re-apply.” You won’t need concealers and you can carry the little bottle easily in a purse.