One More DIY That's Good For You & Will Save You $$

Washing the dishes.  Not really a favorite household chore - but necessary.  Many of us have purchased those wonderful little dishwasher soap tablets to take the guess work out of how much soap to put in the dishwasher (and let's

face it - when it's as easy as grabbing a tab and tossing it in, our kids and spouses are more likely to turn the dishwasher on as well!).  

Here's a recipe to make your own dishwasher tabs!  These are simple to make, budget friendly and you know EXACTLY what's in them - no nasty chemicals on your dishes!  Here's all you need:

1 Cup Borax (you could use plain 'ole baking soda if you don't have or don't care for borax)

1 Cup arm & Hammer Washing Soda (not baking soda)

1/2 Cup Epsom Salt

3/4 Cup Lemon Juice

Mix all your dry ingredients in a bowl.  Add the lemon juice.  It will fizz so the kids will think it is fun (I think it's fun too!).  Drop about a tablespoon or so into an ice cube tray and let dry for about 24 hours.  When they are hard and dry to the touch, put them in an air tight jar for storage.  Easy & inexpensive!

DIY "Vicks Vapor" Shower Discs

It's that time of year - sooner or later, someone in your family will come down with a stuffy nose.  I have purchased the brand name discs in the past during cold season, and was super excited when my friend sent me a recipe for a homemade version that I can make with ingredients from my kitchen and my Young Living Essential Oils!  Click here for the super easy directions!

DIY Thieves Hand Soap - So Easy & So Wonderful!

I discovered this recipe on Pinterest and need to give credit to www.babystepstoessentialoils.com for posting it!  I have made three containers of this for each of our bathrooms and it is awesome!  Not only does my family like it - I have had numerous guests ask "where did you buy that great hand soap?"

Our hand are clean, they smell great, and we are receiving the benefits of Thieves essential oils during this cold and flu season.  Give it a try and let me know how it works for you and your family!

Squash - it's what's for dinner!

Last week when I went to pick up my Green Earth Institute CSA share, I was greeted by these lovely little veggies:  

Delicata Squash

These were new to me and thankfully, Steve was on hand to share with me the benefits of adding delicata squash to our dinner table.  All I can say now is that I am so thankful my share included three of these!  I made my first one last night for dinner and all I can say is - YUM!  Check out this great recipe for quinoa stuffed delicata squash - delicious! 

20 Minute Detox

Why is it that the last three months of the year seem to fly by the quickest? Most likely, because we are running around trying to cram 26 hours worth of "stuff" into a 24 hour day! Slow down, just for a few moments and make some time for yourself.

Once a week for 20 minutes, sit in a hot bath that contains a handful of Epsom salts, 10 drops of lavender essential oil, and a half cup of baking soda. This combo draws out toxins, lowers stress-related hormones, and balances your pH levels. ~ Dr. Mark Hyman, M.D.

It's Time To Take Baking Soda Out Of The Kitchen

I've had a few friends tell me they have been looking for a recipe for a homemade deodorant that really works - well, my friend Kathy just may have found it!

If you are looking for an aluminum free deodorant - give this a try. Kathy and I are both going to try this recipe this and see how it stands up after working all weekend. If you try this - please post a message and let everyone know if it worked for you!



1/4 c. baking soda
1/4 c. cornstarch (you may also use arrowroot powder)
6 T. coconut oil (solid state).
a few drops of tea tree oil (optional)

1. Combine equal portions of baking soda & cornstarch/arrowroot powder. 
2. Slowly add coconut oil. Work it in w/a spoon or hand blender until it maintains a firm but pliable texture. It should resemble the texture of commercial deodorant: solid but able to be applied easily. If it feels to wet, add additional cornstarch/arrowroot to thicken. 
3. If using tee tree oil - add a few drops now as well. 
4. Place in a small container (I'm going to use a small, wide mouth mason jar) with a lid and apply with fingers. 

This will yield about 1 cup of deodorant and is said to last up to 3 months for two people with regular daily use.

Homemade Bleach

It's that time of year - germs are popping up everywhere and moms everywhere are doing their best to stay one step ahead to keep their families away from the "bad" germs and keep them healthy.

Bleach becomes a very popular cleaning product of choice this time of year - here are some "pros" and "cons" of chlorine bleach and a recipe to make your own effective, safe (and great smelling) bleach.

Pros of cleaning with bleach:  kills mildew, removes soap scum, disinfects, and deodorizes.

Cons of cleaning with bleach: bleach can have a powerful smell, has potential to be harmful to your health - the fumes are toxic, and can cause respiratory problems.  Try to avoid using bleach around small kids and pets and for your own safety, use a mask and rubber gloves when cleaning with chlorine bleach.

Here is a more healthy and safe alternative to cleaning your home with chlorine bleach: 

I've been using this alternative to bleach around my house and have been very pleased with the results - my house smells great too!

Homemade Toilet Fizzies

Many of you know that I have been learning a lot about essential oils lately.  My family has starting using essential oils to help fight off colds, to improve our sleep, to settle upset stomaches and reduce the pain of plantar fasciitis.

I've also discovered some great recipes using essential oils and products I currently have in my pantry to make some awesome everyday products without unnecessary chemical ingredients.  

Yesterday, some friends and I were chatting about something we saw online that we think is the "bomb" - homemade toilet fizzies!  I love the idea of these - the bathroom will smell fresh, the toilet bowl will remain clean and they are so easy to use - I think I can even get the men to use them!

Thanks to Sarah Lipoff for sharing this idea and recipe: savvysugar.com - follow her or add her to your goggle+ circles for other great diy ideas!  Click here for the toilet fizzie recipe.

If you are looking for some high quality essential oils to add to your toilet fizzies, you can click here - I'd love to help you choose some that fit the needs of your family!