Tag: homemade

Spring Cleaning, Naturally



Sure commercial, chemical-based cleaning products are convenient, but at what cost? The American Association of Poison Control Centers recorded many exposures to household cleaning substances were serious enough to require treatment in a health care facility. Testing of 20 top cleaning products commissioned by Women’s Voices for the Earth (WVE) for the report Dirty Secrets revealed hidden toxic chemicals such as toluene, 1,4-dioxane, phthalates, chloroform, a synthetic musk and several known allergens. Because cleaning product companies are not required to disclose ingredients, consumers have no way to know that these chemicals are lurking in products they buy and use in their homes. In the US, 1 in 3 people suffer from allergies, asthma, sinusitis or bronchitis (US National Center for Health Statistics). Treatment for these conditions should include reducing synthetic chemicals in the home environment.

There are many inexpensive, easy-to-use natural alternatives which can safely be used in place of commercial household products. Here is a list of common, environmentally safe products which can be used alone or in combination for a wealth of household applications.

Baking Soda – cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours.

Soap – unscented NATURAL soap or castille in liquid form, flakes, powders or bars is biodegradable and will clean just about anything.

Lemon – one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria.

Borax – (sodium borate) cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper, painted walls and floors. Is borax safe? Borax is considered a mild skin irritant similar to baking soda. The MSDS lists borax as a health hazard of 1, similar to salt and baking soda. A health concern with borax is with its potential to disrupt the reproductive system. Studies have not been done in humans regarding this; however, potential reproductive issues in mice are suspected from high levels of ingested borax. Use of borax for home cleaning formulas, where no borax is ingested, has not been shown to pose health hazards. Borax is a natural substance which is non-carcinogenic, does not accumulate in the body, or absorb through the skin. It is not harmful to the environment.

White Vinegar – cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and wax build-up.

Cornstarch – can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs.

Salt – scrubbing. Thick kosher salt gives power to your elbow grease. To clean stubborn soap scum, combine baking soda and kosher salt and scrub.

Hydrogen Peroxide – disinfecting, removing stains. Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful disinfectant. To kill mildew, combine baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to create a paste, put on mildew and allow to sit for a few minutes before wiping away.

There are other healthy habits you can institute which will keep your home clean and free of toxins:

Exchange Indoor Air

Many modern homes are so tight there’s little new air coming in. Open the windows from time to time or run any installed exhaust fans. In cold weather, the most efficient way to exchange room air is to open the room wide – windows and doors, and let fresh air in quickly for about 5 minutes. The furnishings in the room, and the walls, act as ‘heat sinks’, and by exchanging air quickly, this heat is retained.

Minimize Dust

Remove clutter which collects dust, such as old newspapers and magazines. Try to initiate a ‘no-shoes-indoors’ policy. If you’re building or remodelling a home, consider a central vacuum system; this eliminates the fine dust which portable vacuum cleaners recirculate.

Use Cellulose Sponges

Most household sponges are made of polyester or plastic which are slow to break down in landfills, and many are treated with triclosan, a chemical that can produce chloroform (a suspected carcinogen) when it interacts with the chlorine found in tap water. Instead try cellulose sponges, available at natural foods stores, which are biodegradable and will soak up spills faster since they’re naturally more absorbent.

Keep Bedrooms Clean

Most time at home is spent in the bedrooms. Keep pets out of these rooms, especially if they spend time outdoors.

Use Gentle Cleaning Products

Of the various commercial home cleaning products, drain cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners and oven cleaners are the most toxic. Use the formulas described above or purchase ‘green’ commercial alternatives. Avoid products containing ammonia or chlorine, or petroleum-based chemicals; these contribute to respiratory irritation, headaches and other complaints.

Clean from the Top Down

When house cleaning, save the floor or carpet for last. Clean window blinds and shelves first and then work downwards. Allow time for the dust to settle before vacuuming.

And let’s not forget how expensive cleaning products can be. Why buy them when you can make SAFER products for just pennies using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen? For some great natural cleaning recipes, check out our “Spring” board on Pinterest.

Valentine’s Day….Honeybee Style! (much better than Gangnam Style)



Valentine’s Day is tied for my favorite holiday! My other favorite holiday is Halloween (because you can dress up and be anyone you want that day and no one thinks it’s weird).

I was born four hours shy of Valentine’s Day. But for the first 19 years of my life, my mom made a big deal about it by getting me a heart-shaped cake, heart-shaped treats, etc. And I loved it. I miss her.

As an adult, Valentine’s Day is still very special to me (and not just because it’s so close to my birthday). It’s a great day to take some time out to let another person know just how much they mean to you. I’m not talking the traditional jewelry, flowers and perfume thing (not that there’s anything wrong with that). But do something personal and special for the one you love. And you can do it for little or no money at all. Here are some suggestions:

1. A personal note. Don’t let Hallmark tell your loved one how you feel. Put it in your own words. It means so much more. Feeling crafty? Make your own Valentine’s Day card. You can download Valentine’s fonts for free and even print free cards, but add your own sentiments. Check out our Valentine’s Board on Pinterest for links.

2. Dinner. It’s impossible to get dinner reservations on Valentine’s Day. That’s one of the bad things about having a birthday so close to a holiday. So, why not cook TOGETHER at home? You can make a meal that’s healthier, less expensive AND get exactly what you want. We posted a link to some great recipes from The Food Network on our Pinterest Valentine’s Board.

3. Bath Time! There are few things more romantic than taking a bath together. Don’t have a tub? Improvise – take a shower! But really, the bath tub is more relaxing. Light some natural candles, turn off all the lights, fill the tub with some wonderful bath salts or natural bubble bath gel. Use a homemade sugar scrub. And have a large cup or pitcher nearby. Nothing feels better than having warm water poured gently over your body by someone who loves you – try it! And guys, shampoo her hair. AND give her a scalp massage in the process. She will melt. Find sugar scrub recipes, bath salt recipes and other bath time ideas on our Pinterest page.

4. Ahhhh massage. Nothing feels better than a massage AFTER a romantic bath. Your muscles are loose from the warm water and you’re all nice and clean (i.e. you won’t be rubbing stinky feet). I’m personally a fan of massage bars. They’re less messy than massage oils. We posted a wonderful step-by-step guide on how to give a killer massage on our Pinterest page. We also posted recipes for creating your own massage bar.

5. Sleepy time…or whatever. “Clean Sheet Night” is always the best night in my opinion. I swear I sleep better on clean sheets. Some folks like to have scent in the bedroom too. I’m not a big fan of that, but if you’re into it, use a light bulb ring with some essential oil, or a Scentsy burner with meltable natural wax you can make yourself (recipes on – you guessed it – our Pinterest page!) What I AM a big fan of is soft, snuggly blankets! I hate being cold. And in Pennsylvania it gets COLD this time of year. Not Minnesota cold, but still too cold for me. So wrap her in clean sheets, warm snuggly blankets and a warm, clean massaged YOU.

Don’t forget to check out our Valentine’s Board on Pinterest for more recipes and great ideas:

What are YOUR favorite things to do on Valentine’s Day?

Brush Your Way To Better Skin


A few months ago, I became interested in “dry brushing”. Now that I’m in my 40s (*gads!*) it takes more effort to make my skin look its best. This means eating clean, drinking lots of water, NOT tanning, moisturizing regularly, etc. Dry brushing is purported to promote healthier skin by removing dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, allowing it to breathe and absorb more nutrients. It also stimulates and increases skin cell production, stimulates the lymphatic and circulatory systems, and boosts your immune system. The gentle pressure and brushing sensations are said to have a calming effect; increasing your blood flow reduces stressed areas of the body and stimulates nerve endings in your skin which in turn rejuvenates your nervous system. Last but not least, dry brushing supposedly reduces cellulite by increasing blood circulation to the skin, helping to break down and release toxins that cause cellulite in legs and hips.

This I had to try.

I went on line (amazon.com) and purchased a Yerba Prima Tampico Skin Brush. If you’re going to try dry brushing, you want a natural bristle brush or loofah. Look for bristles that are made from plant fibers. Synthetic bristles can be too harsh and cause irritation. The brush I chose has a removable handle so you can use it in the palm of your hand, or use it with the handle for harder to reach areas like your back.

So how do you do it? It’s best to dry brush when you first wake up in the morning, before you jump in the shower. Here is the recommended dry brushing process:

1. Start with your feet, moving in soft circular movements (always moving towards the heart) first on the bottom of the feet, and then on the top.
2. Work up each leg, one at a time, first the back of the leg (using the same soft circular, always towards the heart, movements) up through the buttock and then the front of the leg. Avoid any delicate skin, like the skin on the insides of the thighs.
3. After you are finished with the lower half, start at the fingertips of one arm; move up the arm (palms of hands, back of hands, forearm, bicep) and towards the heart. Repeat on other arm.
4. Move to the back working your movements towards your stomach, starting and finishing with one side of the back and then the other.
5. When you get to your stomach, start at your lower abdomen and work your way up (make sure to steer clear of delicate areas like the nipples) and end at your chest in an upward stroke.
6. Rinse off and shower as normal.

Skin brushing Tips:
1. Avoid the face! While dry brushing is excellent for exfoliating skin, this body brush will be too rough for the delicate skin on your face.
2. It’s sometimes best to dry brush in the shower (with the water off) since there may be a lot of dead skin brushed off.

How often should you dry brush? For best results dry brush at least two times a week.

I started looking into some of the grand claims of dry brushing. It DOES get rid of dead skin cells, increase circulation (as a brisk walk would) and help the lymphatic system work better, and decrease bloating (as a massage would). However, the grander claims are more suspect. Even if done religiously over time, will dry brushing reduce the appearance of cellulite? Experts like Dr. Carolyn Jacob, a dermatologist in Chicago, feel probably not. Why? Cellulite is a complex problem that involves thin skin and the kind of fibrous bands holding in women’s fat. Dry brushing “won’t change fibrous bands at all,” Dr. Jacob said — a dagger to the hearts of women with cottage-cheese thighs. Twisting the dagger, Dr. Jacob cautioned that avid dry brushers put their skin at risk for inflammation, redness and an eczema-like itchy rash.

So is dry brushing for you? As long as you don’t have any severe skin irritation (acne, rash, eczema, open sore/cut, etc.), I say yes. It is an invigorating way to start the day, and it really does make your skin feel smooth and healthy.

Why Dieting is the Worst Idea Ever



Many of my friends choose to start diets on January 1. There are varying opinions on this philosophy, some saying it’s good to have comradery since everyone else is doing it, others saying it’s not a good idea. But I found this article and thought the author’s perspective was unique. I hope you enjoy it.

BY Amanda Christian
Published on MindBodyGreen January 3, 2013

For a solid decade of my life, I dieted, lost weight, gained it back, tried a new diet, hated myself, became body obsessive and completely lost my intuitive sense of when I was actually hungry. When I finally tried what felt like every diet, and lower self-esteem was the only consistent result, I knew there had to be a better way.

I reached the point where the thought of a diet was more painful than the thought of getting honest with myself. This is when I stopped dieting.

What followed was a journey back to my true self, freedom, and a connection with my inner guide.

Below are some reasons to hop on an inner journey this year instead of another diet:

1. They are not based on your intuition.

Why would you want anyone else to tell you what and when to eat over your own intuitive knowing? Don’t look to anyone else to tell you what is right for you. When you really take note of how you feel after eating certain foods, you will naturally gravitate towards ones that nourish you. Let your intuition shine here.

2. They are often used as punishments for what you have eaten .

Food is not supposed to be stressful. Telling yourself you will start to eat “healthy” on January 1st implies an all-or-nothing mentality. There is no such thing as “good” eating days and “bad” eating days; it’s just food.

Since when did food have the power to dictate a good or bad day? You are giving that slice of cake all the meaning it has for you. No matter what you eat, make a firm decision that you will not punish yourself for it.

3. They are often very complicated .

Who really wants to count calories or weigh out portions? Eating is simple; eat what your body wants when you are hungry, and stop when you are satisfied. When you want to eat when you are not hungry, chances are there is a feeling or thought to look at and release instead.

I spent years using food to suppress my feelings, but what I have realized is that to feel them instead is not nearly as scary as we tell ourselves it will be.

4. They breed feelings of deprivation, which frequently leads to overeating .

And then the overeating leads right into some serious self-loathing and feelings of failure. All the sudden you find yourself back at #2 above. The good news is this is just a mental pattern you can change! You are innocent, beautiful and deserving of peace and happiness no matter what you do, say, eat or think.

Do not listen to the voice that tells you otherwise. Tell yourself often that you deserve happiness and love. You don’t even have to believe it. Just repeat it, but with enough repetition, eventually you will believe it.

5. Constantly doing things you don’t enjoy causes stress .

Planning out what and how much you are going to eat everyday can be stressful. I used to feel like I was in a food prison. I was scared to do anything out of my routine in case I would not be able to stay on my diet.

I often skipped social activities with my friends because I didn’t want to be tempted. This is not love; this is fear.

The truth is, you are not your body, you just have one. The body is a limit and you are limitless. Don’t wait for the promise of a diet to compel you towards change. The outer is a result of your thoughts. Set the intention to change your mind, and the body will follow. We give diets and food all the power they have for us, so this year, lets practice taking it back.

Dive into your thought system and look at the web of illusions you tell yourself about yourself. This is when our inner guides come forward and show us how to release these beliefs.

Just be willing, and the resources that you need will come to you. It might seem uncomfortable at first, but trust me; the freedom on the other side is more than a diet will ever offer you.

Last Minute Gift Idea



Need a last minute gift idea AND a way to keep the kids busy AND not have it involve baking anything? Well I have the solution for you: Bath Fizzies.

These effervescent little fellas are easy to make, fun and remind the person to whom you are giving them, “Relax. Take some time out for yourself.”

Rather than writing the whole thing out myself, I decided to reference a link which I thought was pretty good. Let Martha Stewart tell you how it’s done!

http://www.marthastewart.com/280275/how-to-make-bath-fizzies