Instead of a green audit, this week we looked at green yard renovations. We checked out: Composting for Soil Health, Greening Your Lawn, and Choosing the Right Plants.

Make Your Own Dowel Vase Cover

Recycled kitchenware in amazing colors.

How to test your dishes for lead

Bake a greener birthday cake plus some great cake recipes.

Where to get used coffee grounds for your garden – and why in the heck you would want to.

14 Ways You Can Love the Earth

Great green architecture links

Free Green Home Poster

We hugged (and learned about) the Cheetah and met his non-toxic stuffed version.

Homemade Organic Facial Toner

Two stellar green youth programs: Journey North and IslandWood at Bainbridge Island.

We saw two green videos – one a wee sarcastic and the other good for little ones.

A great book for kids.

Reusable Bags as Wrap

Lastly, we started our Green School Audit.

As always we appreciate all of you tree hugging families (and singles, couples, etc.) who visit and leave great comments. See you next week!

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

Today; facial toner. You can buy organic toner for over $40 – or you can make your own for a whole lot less. This recipe has a simple base, that is very customizable. If you have a good herb, flower, and essential oil book, you can pick herbs, flower essences and oils that will compliment your skin type. This recipe is the version I like. But keep in mind that I have pretty normal skin, not too dry or oily, no breakouts, etc. I’m lucky. I call it even because I have unruly curls that I can’t stand – it’s only fair that I got good skin.

After this I’ll add some tips for customizing in case you do have troublesome skin.

You need to gather:

You’ll need a bottle of witch hazel. It’s fine to get plain or even a witch hazel – aloe mix. Plus you need a mixture of herbs and spices (in equal parts) such as fresh mint, fresh rosemary, lemon balm, lavender, dried cloves, cinnamon sticks – or anything else that suits your fancy.

What I personally use:

• Equal parts: fresh rosemary and lavender (yes, grab organic).
• A tiny bit of fresh basil (I know odd, but I like how basil smells).
• A few cinnamon sticks and a tablespoon of dried whole cloves.
• A tablespoon of grated orange peel and the peels of ½ of a lemon.
• Two – three drops of tea tree essential oil.

How to make:

Place all ingredients in a jar and cover completely with witch hazel. Let the mixture sit for a while in your fridge – I usually go a week. Strain, and apply to face. To avoid using extra stuff, I apply this with clean fingers. If you want to use it as a cleaner / toner, use a washcloth (you don’t need to waste a million cotton balls). Another way to use this is as a refresher. Keep it in the fridge, and spray on your face (close your eyes!) during the heat of summer.

The downside: The only downside of this recipe is that unless you use it quick, you really should keep it in the fridge. It’s perishable. I don’t like this factor. To get around it, I make tiny batches frequently, instead of a lot all at once. If you make a small batch you can give it as a gift as well. Making small batches is smart anyhow because you can see if a toner is a good fit for your skin type.

About skin type:

As noted, this is fully customizable for your skin. To learn more about the herb, oil, and flower items that will work best for your skin you can purchase some books on herbs, oils, and flowers (my first recommendation) or visit this amazing ingredients guide from the Organic Pharmacy. The guide lists tons of items and what they’re used for; i.e. to reduce scars, help dry skin, and so fourth.

Post from: Tree Hugging Family