All-Purpose Disinfectant Cleaner with Tea Tree & Thyme Oil

Tea tree oil is known to have antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic qualities.  It can be used medicinally to treat acne, eczema, Athlete's foot, head lice, congestion, nail fungus, cuts and burns, dandruff, sinus infections, yeast infections, and more!  I still keep discovering new ways that it can be used!  It can also be used for cleaning and controlling pests in the home.

Red thyme oil is known for it's antifungal, antibacterial and anticrobial properties.  Thyme oil is also known as an air disinfectant - killing airborne bacteria.  Thyme oil is commonly used to treat infections of many kinds including viral infections and throat infections."  Click here to read more about the benefits of using thyme oil.

Ingredients:

• 2 c hot water
• 1/4 c freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tbsp Borax
• 1 tsp tea tree oil 
• 2 tbsp white vinegar 
• 5 drops red thyme oil
• Optional:  1/4 tsp to 1/2 tsp orange essential oil (Used for scent because red thyme oil has a very strong herbal smell)

Directions:

Combine all of the ingredients in a spray bottle.  Screw on the spray top and shake vigorously.  

Simply spray and wipe clean.

CAUTION:  Tea tree oil is toxic if ingested orally and should never be used internally, so please use with caution.  In rare cases, direct contact of tea tree oil with your skin may cause an allergic reaction.  Click here for more information regarding possible problems or complications. 

Natural and Affordable Moisturizer with Coconut Oil

The inevitable fine lines and wrinkles.  Don't have them yet?  Wait your turn.  I am 30 years old and I have been noticing these pesky little lines in various areas on my face.  Under the eye, next to the mouth, on the forehead, etc.  Shame on me for waiting until 29 to take better care of my skin!  

Within the last three months, I have started using virgin coconut oil as a natural alternative to my face, neck and hand moisturizer at nighttime.  I will never buy expensive moisturizers again!  It is amazing how soft and silky smooth coconut oil makes my skin feel.  If cost is an issue for you, coconut oil is the answer.  For a 14 oz. jar of virgin coconut oil, you will pay on average $8.50.  Compare that to a much smaller amount of 1.7 oz of Estee Lauder Hydrationist Maximum Moisture Creme at $38.00!  Coconut oil has so many wonderful uses.  It can be used in cooking, in baking, for moisturizing skin, for reducing protein loss in hair, as a personal lubricant, in making soap and more!  So, if you haven't purchased this natural oil yet, I highly suggest you go out and get some now!

Ingredients:

• 100% pure coconut oil

Directions:

On a clean face before bedtime, place about 1/4 tsp of coconut oil on your fingers.  Rub your fingers together to melt the oil (your body temperature easily causes the oil to melt).  Apply liberally over face, neck, chest, hands, etc.

Homemade Carpet Powder - Deodorizer and Freshener

Do you have children?  How about pets?  If you answered yes, chances are they have either rolled around on your carpet, put things in their mouth that were on it and done a whole host of other things that we don't see or think about.  I, for one, am not in favor of sprinkling powdered chemicals all over my floor, so I opt to make my own.  Making your own carpet deodorizer/freshener is not only simple but it will save you a ton of money.

Ingredients:

• 1 c baking soda
• Optional:  1 tsp essential oils

Directions:

Add the baking soda in an air-tight container.  Stir the essential oil into the baking soda with a fork to loosen any clumps.  

Sprinkle the mixture liberally over your carpet.  Allow it to set for 20 minutes before vacuuming it up.

Homemade Peppermint Gel Toothpaste

I have tried so many toothpaste recipes that I found on the internet and I couldn't stand any of them.  Some were too salty, some were too sweet and others felt like I was brushing my teeth with sand.  I took out a bunch of different ingredients and started experimenting.  First came the vegetable glycerin.  Vegetable glycerin can be used orally to eliminate halitosis, it is very helpful with periodontal disease and it eliminates bacterial colonies. What is it like?  It is odorless, naturally sweet and brings a sense of warmness to your mouth.  From there, I added some baking soda, which we all know is a great whitener and cleanser.  Then came the peppermint extract for that minty fresh feeling.  I wanted more of a gel texture, so, being the cook that I am, I raided my pantry for a thickening agent and decided to add some unflavored gelatine to the mixture.  The results?  Natural, husband-approved toothpaste that not only has a great taste but kills bacteria, whitens, eliminates halitosis and helps with periodontal disease.  The consistency is not as thick as store-bought but it does the job very well.  Now go show off those pearly whites!  Oh, and don't forget to floss before you brush!


Ingredients:

• 1/4 c vegetable glycerin
• 2 tsp baking soda 
• 2 tsp unflavored gelatine, such as Knox
• 1/2 tsp pure peppermint extract, or more to taste 

Directions:

Heat all of the ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat until the mixture begins to foam.  Remove from heat.  

Cover and cool in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture gels.  Whisk and store in an airtight container.