Cleaning Your Home The Natural Way

 I have became overwhelmed by all the information about toxins in household cleaners. Determined to make healthy choices for my family and the environment, I am switching to natural cleaners. 

Here are some great homemade cleaning products.

ROOM DEODORIZER
Commercial deodorizers can be harmful to your health. The American Lung Association cites them as a contributing factor to the spike in asthma cases. The Canadian Lung Association labels air fresheners as a hazardous product. It's no wonder that people are learning how to freshen their homes the natural way. 

If you have an odor issue, first get rid of it. Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet, and leave it out overnight in dishes around the problem areas. Baking soda has an amazing ability to suck up odor. Once you're odor neutral, it's time to add some pleasant scents to the home. Many people still choose to make potpourri, while gelatin room deodorizers and reed diffusers are more modern solutions. For myself, I like this simple spray solution:

Baking Soda

Water

Essential oil

Combine 4 cups of hot water with 1/4 cup baking soda and mix well. Add real lemon juice or your favorite essential oil. I like to alternate between lavender and grapefruit. When choosing oils, make sure you select pure essential oils, and not synthetic ones.

The options are endless. Natural cleaning solutions that can be made easily and inexpensively are becoming more popular. People are eagerly abandoning commercial cleaners and sharing their homemade secrets. Here are a few more tips I've gathered from friends. Share yours in the comments.

ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER

Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons borax 

4-5 drop orange or lemon essential oil (citrus cuts grease) 

2 cups hot water

Combine all ingredients into a spray bottle and shake well. If you need a little extra cleaning action, replace the baking soda with washing soda. Washing soda is twice as strong as baking soda. It's recommended that you wear gloves and a mask when cleaning with washing soda, but don't worry, it still passes the natural ingredient test, and will cut through your toughest dirt and grime.

SINK CLEANER
This sink cleaner is so simple you can whip up a paste for each use. 

3 tsp Lemon juice
3 tbs Cream of Tartar (you'll find it in the spice isle)

Combine the lemon juice and cream or tartar to make a paste. The proportions don't need to be exact, but the paste should be smooth and thick. Simply scrub it in gently and thoroughly then rinse it off to uncover your clean sink. 


OVEN CLEANER
Chemical oven cleaner is one if the harshest household solutions, one many of us would happily avoid. This organic solution is a great alternative, but it still requires that you practice some precaution; see theoven cleaner instructions for some other important tips

.

1/2 cup of salt
1/2 cup of baking soda
1/2 cup of water
1/4 cup of vinegar

Mix the ingredients together forming a thick paste. Cover any holes or openings with tin foil. Apply the mixture to the bottom and side walls of the oven. Leave overnight. Combine 1/4 cup water and 1/4 cup vinegar in a spray bottle. Use this solution to wash off the paste.

TOILET BOWL CLEANER

Chemical based bathroom cleaners are the hardest to part with. Somehow we feel like cleaning the bathroom needs to induce a toxic headache or it's not really working. Trying out recipes like this one fornatural toilet bowl cleaner is a great way to see just how well homemade solutions really clean. 

2 tbs baking soda
1 tbs olive oil
3-4 drops essential oil (optional)

Pour the baking soda and olive oil into your toilet bowl and scrub it with a toilet brush. Add in a few drops of scented oil as a deodorizer. 

WINDOW CLEANER

With six homemade window cleaners, Tip Nut has you covered. Their cleaners range from your standard vinegar solution to some more creative black tea concoctions, and I've had the most luck with this simple recipe:

1 gallon water
1/4 cup vinegar
2 tbs lemon juice
Approx. 1 tbs dish detergent (liquid)

Mix all ingredients together and store in a container, ready to refill your spray bottle. The lemon juice and dish detergent will cut through those greasy hand-prints. Spray the cleaner on your window and wipe it with a microfiber cloth, newspaper, or squeegee. 

HAND SANITIZER

A pump in the bathroom, one in the kitchen, one in the playroom, three or four floating around the car and one in my purse; while it's true that nothing beats a good scrub with soap and hot water, for a family on the go hand sanitizers are essential. Here's how to make your own alcohol-free hand sanitizer:

1 cup pure aloe vera gel
1-2 tsp of witch hazel 
8 drops of essential oils of your choice

Combine all ingredients, adjusting until you have your desired consistency and stir well. Tea tree oil is the best disinfectant, but isn't safe for pregnant women, children or pets. Other recommended oils include orange, lemon and basil. This recipe, along with some alcohol-based solutions and additional tips are all available from No Ordinary Homestead.



Polish silverware: Fill your sink with hot water, sprinkle in some baking soda and add a sheet of tin foil. Let the silver soak for an hour, rinse and wipe clean.
Clean a vase or bottom of a container by adding rice to your cleaning solution. The rice scrubs all those hard to reach places!
Get rid of the smell in your sink by crushing orange or grapefruit peel in the garborator.
Sprinkle borax anywhere you've had rodent problems. They won't come near it.
Mop your floor with vinegar and hot water. Add a touch of olive oil for polish.

The Natural Way to Minimize Pores!

Pores are tiny hair follicles in the skin. They may take on a larger appearance when they are clogged with dirt or oil. They can also become larger due to the increase of dead skin cells that gather at the base of the pore. The most effective means of minimizing pores naturally is to keep them clear. This includes regular cleansing, exfoliating and care. Whether you choose to make your own skin care products at home or buy them, you can naturally reduce your pores with a few quality ingredients. Oats, cucumber, sugar, mint and even steam are some of the recommended components to look for or include. Here are a few suggestions for how to minimize pores naturally.

1. Clean your skin with a mild, all-natural soap. Cleansers with oatmeal, goat milk or cucumber are recommended for clearing pores.

2. Exfoliate the skin with an all-natural scrub. Whether you make your own or buy one, some good choices for exfoliating include ingredients such as sugar, whole oats or strawberry seeds. These items have a gritty texture that works well for removing dull, dead skin cells. Look for these and other exfoliants in natural skin care products or homemade product recipes.

3. Use an all-natural toner to deep clean your pores. Avoid products that contain alcohol or peroxide because these can dry your skin.

4. Try opening the pores with a steam bath. This can be done by boiling a pot of water on the stove and then putting your face directly over the steam for approximately 15 minutes. Or you can run hot water in the sink, place a towel over the back of your head and put your face down to catch the steam in your face as it rises. The towel will hang down the sides of your face and help trap the steam. The steam will help open the pores and clear away any residue.

5. Drink plenty of water every day. Hydrated skin not only has a more healthy appearance, but also assists in healing itself.

6. Mix a solution of apple cider vinegar and crushed mint leaves. Combine 2 tbsp. (30 ml) of each into a small glass bottle. Let the solution sit for 1 week then strain out the mint and add 1 cup (236 ml) of filtered water. Use this like a toner, preferably at night because it does have a strong vinegar odor.

7. Try a solution of baking soda and water. Stir 2 tbsp. (30 ml) of baking soda with a small amount of water until a paste forms. Apply this paste to your skin and allow it to dry for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

8. Apply ice directly to your skin for a quick fix. The cold will naturally shrink your pores temporarily and allow you time to apply make-up or sunblock without it getting deep into the pores and causing them to clog. Be sure to thoroughly cleanse away any make-up or sunblock as soon as you can.

9. Avoid smoking and second hand smoke whenever possible. Smoke reduces the amount of oxygen, blood and nutrients flowing to the skin. This inhibits the skin's ability to repair itself naturally

I did this because my birthday is coming up in 3 weeks and I want my skin to be in tip-top shape! Try some of the tips and let me know the results. I tried the baking soda clay mask and it really is miracle in a box. I immediately saw a change in my pores. Hope you all enjoy!

How To Keep Your Hair Color From Fading!

1.  Use a good deep moisturizer 7 to 10 days before coloring to prepare hair for the color. Use a clarifying shampoo to wash your hair at least 24 hours before your color (this is especially important if you use styling products with silicon because they will prevent the color from adhering to the hair). Do not wash your hair within 24 hours of coloring because the color will not take to the hair as well. Furthermore, do not use the clarifying shampoo after coloring because it can strip the color from your hair.

2. Do not shampoo your hair until at least 48 hours after the color is applied to avoid stripping the color. When you do shampoo and condition, use products that are specifically designed for color treated hair. Shampoo and conditioner for color treated hair have ingredients that are designed to protect your color rather than stripping or dulling it. I prefer Park Avenue Color Protecting Shampoo& Conditioner. My stylist also advised not to shampoo my hair every day but only when necessary to protect the color.

3. This one is a little difficult for me because when I take my shower the water is hot enough to boil eggs most of the time. However, in order to protect my color I have learned to shampoo and rinse in cool water rather than hot water. The hot water opens the hair follicles and dulls the color. Cool water will keep hair color much brighter and true than using hot water.

4.Speaking of showers, the chemicals in your water can dull and strip hair color. My stylist suggested that I invest in a filtered showerhead and she was correct - my hair color does last longer and is brighter than before.

5. Heat not only damages your hair but it also damages your hair color. I dry my hair on a medium heat setting and I use John Frieda Heat Defeat Protective Styling Spray to protect my color and hair when using a flat iron or other heat styling tools. This is essential to keeping your hair color from fading.

6. Protect your hair from the sun to make the color last longer. Purchase hair products that have UV protection. Wear a hat if you are in the sun and cover your hair when you are in tanning bed

7. Avoid using hair spray if possible because this will dull your hair color. However, make sure that you use products to enhance the shine and appearance of your hair color such as BioSilk Silk Therapy (I cannot live without this product for my hair).

8. There are color enhancing shampoos on the market that are designed to boost your hair color by depositing small amounts of color on your hair. I have tried some of these and found that they actually turn my color brassy if I use them every time I shampoo. Therefore, use these only once a week or every other week to give your color a little boost. Pick a shade that is closest to your hair color for best results.

The Benefits Of Olive Oil!

So I tweeted earlier that as you get older your skin starts to sag and someone replied saying that Olive Oil keep yours skin looking radiant so I did some research and this is what I found!

The olive tree is an evergreen tree in the Mediterranean region. The tree grows to 9 meters tall and takes 15 years to bear fruit. Olive oil has a heavy texture, and can vary in color from a pale golden yellow to dark green. The purest form is "extra virgin," and it is lightest in color. Olive oil has many antioxidant properties. Olive oil absorbs UV radiation and appears to assist in repairing cells and in preventing cell damage. Olive oil is soothing and healing to all skin types

.

Olive oil is a fantastic source of vitamin E. Consuming olives or olive oil has been associated with such health benefits as reducing blood pressure, decreasing growth of some cancers, lessening the severity of asthma and arthritis and may actually help maintain a lower weight. Using olive oil externally on your body can also have benefits. Olive oil is now found in many skin care products. The vitamin E found in the olive oil is the key ingredient.

For hair care, add 1 tbsp. of olive oil to your hair conditioner. Shake well before each use. Use conditioner as usual. Olive oil will provide not only a beautiful shine, but also manageability.

Olive oil can also help with the area around your eyes. Nightly, place a small amount of oil on your fingertips. Gently dab on the corner of your eyes, your eyelids and under your eyes. Use caution not to get the oil in your eyes. You can also do this to your eyebrows after tweezing or waxing to provide moisture and soothing relief.

For lip care, place a small amount of oil on your fingertips. Rub across your lips to provide moisture and shine.

Similarly, take a small amount nightly and rub into your nails and cuticles. This will give a beautiful shine to your nails and keep the nail beds and cuticles soft. Make a sugar scrub and use it on your hands nightly to keep hands hydrated and soft.

For foot care, use 1 tbsp. of olive oil in a warm footbath. Soak for 10 minutes, then pat dry. You can also use sugar scrub on your feet daily.

Use sugar scrub daily in shower for continued soft and hydrated skin. You can also use olive oil in a massage
.

Staying Uplifted & Free From Negativity

How well are you buckled in for life's wild ride? Are you holding steady or getting thrown around?

When the road is bumpy, are you resilient or battered? When it is smooth, are you grateful or oblivious?

And, just as importantly, what are you modeling for your kids in the navigating of life?

For most of us, it is the fundamental challenge of our lives to find our center through difficult times while savoring the joyful moments. When hurdles emerge out of nowhere, it is common to feel a loss of control. However, we have more control than we think.

Stress is a given, regardless of one's circumstances; it can vary in severity and disruptive effects, but we can sharpen our skills to remain resilient and calm, discharge anxiety and helplessness, do our best navigating and appreciate all that is positive in our midst.

By no means an exhaustive list, here are 12 tips for staying positive, regardless of the special challenges you may face at any given phase of your journey.

1. Breathe with awareness. Life is a gift, and each breath is a new manifestation of that gift and the power you have to nurture yourself in the here and now.

2. Relax and commit to less "doing," more "being." Meditation teaches, "you are at the center of your own inner peace." Discover what you need and give it to yourself. Meditate, rest, just be.

3. Move your body, make it fun. When exercise is enjoyable, we are more apt to do it consistently. Consider activities you used to love or never tried, such as a team sport, dance or zumba, yoga (you can try it in a chair) or tai chi practice; hiking, biking, running, walking ... diversify and enjoy.

4. Accept, rather than resist, the challenges that life deals. See possibilities hidden within them; what is it you are needing to learn? Value the blessing of growth that accompanies adversity and transforms suffering.

5. Limit negative influences on your mood and mindset. Notice negative thinking patterns and change them. Immerse yourself in positive books, quotes, music, workshops, websites, wellness practices, and self-talk. (Two book suggestions: "How To Make Every Day A Friday" by Joel Osteen, and "Happier" by Tal Ben-Shahar)

6. Manage your daily dose of negative news bombardment. Drink in positive and inspiring stories. Learn how others have overcome great obstacles and pain.

7. Consciously associate with positive people. Set boundaries with people who are negative or draining; limit (or eliminate) contact if it is toxic to your well-being.

8. Ask, "what brings me joy?" Make time for your passions, appreciate simple pleasures. Laugh! Prioritize positive, nourishing experiences.

9. Spirituality, stillness and nature: Connect with your own path of spirituality, wholeness, meaning, and purpose. Tune in to nature for lessons on the universe and its mystery, power, transformation, and healing. See that you are part of something infinite. Cultivate hope.

10. Expand your gratitude for all that is good in your day, your week, your life. Notice the simple and the profound. Shine your love light on family, friends, pets ... and yourself. Consider a gratitude journal.

11. Experience community. Give generously when you can — time, support, caring, smiles, warmth, nurturing — and let yourself receive such blessings.

12. Do your best, know that it is enough, let go. Your "best" is not an absolute, but will vary from day to day; when you are sick, or stressed, or overwhelmed your best will be different, but it is still your best for today. Relinquish impossible standards and give yourself credit for your effort to do the best you can in any situation.

Life offers no guarantees of predictability despite our very best efforts. In fact, the one certainty is uncertainty. Cultivating strategies for staying positive can enrich and strengthen us for the difficult, uphill climbs, and can enable us to be truly grateful whenever we have, however briefly, the luxury of easy coasting. May your own life journey be a positive unfolding of resilience and growth, joy and peace.

5 Easy Steps For A Smoky Eye !

 When you think smoky, you instantly reach for black, but it can look severe. The most universally flattering tone is chocolate brown, rather than black- it's way sultrier and softer against all skin tones.

 1. LINE Rim eyes with a soft kohl. Go as close to the lash roots as possible so that you don't see any gaps between the liner and lashes. Trying to draw a continuous line from the inside corner of lashes outwards can be tricky - the most foolproof technique is to sketch little strokes along the lash line, working your way from the outside in.

2.LAYER Blend a deep mink-brown shadow across the lids, up to the crease and lightly along lower lashes, too. Then sweep a bronze shadow from slightly beyond the outer corners to the middle of the lids - and layer with a copper tone from the center of the lids inwards.

3.BRIGHTEN Wash a shimmery gold shadow over the top of the lids to bring lightness to the eyes. And blend it all up into the crease for a washed and blended, rather than graphic, effect.

4.PLUMP Curl your lashes to emphasise them and then pile on black mascara top and bottom.

The Nude Lip

Barely there lips are sexy without screaming, "Look At Me!", but don't match them to your skin tone as a too-fleshy pout can be draining. The most flattering shade isn't pure beige look for peachy or pink undertones.

5 Easy Steps For Oily Skin !

1: Oil-free Moisturizers

Stick to oil-free moisturizers and apply them day and night. The myth is that if your skin is oily then you should not apply extra moisturizer, but if you don't your skin will think it is parched and overcompensate by producing more oil.

2: Blotting Paper

Keep blotting papers in your purse to zap shine throughout the day. Don't keep powdering all day, which can make you look caky. Instead blot up the excess oil with those little oil absorbing sheets.

3: Spray Makeup

Use air brush spray makeup for a smooth and even complexion that will never break you out. Spray a non-latex sponge and apply this light and airy foundation all over the skin. It looks utterly natural and keeps shine down.

4: Face Powder

Apply compact face powder to set makeup and erase shine instead of loose face powder. It will be a tad heavier and control the shine a bit better than loose.

5: Avoid Cream Makeup

Stay away from cream eye shadows and blush that can just slip off the face if your skin is oily. Stay with powder formula eye shadows and blush for a longer wearing look.