Money
| Protect landscape investment: The Humane Society of the United States reports that the most common wildlife complaint among suburban homeowners is lost landscaping due to the destruction of plants and gardens by white-tailed deer. But HSUS urban wildlife experts also say a few simple steps can prevent deer-human confrontations. Some of the plants deer tend to avoid include strong-smelling mint, geraniums and marigolds; daffodils; and toxic plants such as foxglove, plants with fuzzy, prickly or sharp leaves; and ornamental grasses and ferns. Find other wild animal garden deterrents at wildneighbors.org.
Space
| Collapsible food-storage containers: Rubbermaid’s new Collapsibles were specifically designed for cluttered kitchen cabinets. These storage helpers come in various shapes and sizes, all of which have pleated sides that neatly fold down into a 1-inch-high compact. These flexible-side walls are meant to accommodate leftovers big and small, and the Collapsibles’ durable blue plastic lids “have been tested by opening and closing them over 3,000 times to ensure a lifetime of use,” according to Rubbermaid. The Collapsibles are available anywhere you buy Rubbermaid products.
Energy
| Green tea rejuvenates mind, body and soul: After a long winter, almost everyone could use a pick-me-up. Enter green tea, which natural-health devotees say can aid in everything from cardiovascular health to weight loss. Bathing in green tea is said to soothe the skin and ward off signs of aging. Keeping a green tea leaf sachet under your pillow is supposed to promote deeper sleep. Green tea bags help soothe and refresh tired eyes. And sprinkling dried green tea leaves on your carpet – about two to three cups per room – before vacuuming provides a natural air freshener. Find out about other health benefits at greentea.com.
Compiled by Room Staff Writer Elana Ashanti Jefferson
