Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Easy DIY Mouthwash

I may or may not have an obsession with jars. Months ago, I happened to run across some absolutely beautiful sea glass containers on clearance at TJ Maxx by "accident". I might have freaked out right there in the middle of the store and acted like a fool because the bottles were $0.99 each and absolutely gorgeous! The best joy can be found in the small things in life, right? For me, it's bottles!

I wasn't quite sure what to do with them, until I stumbled across some information while I was researching Thieves essential oil for respiratory support. I saw that Thieves may also be good for oral health! That sounds pretty NOT bad, right?

Easy homemade mouthwash #YLEO #Thieves #oralcare

Why Use DIY Mouthwash
I use homemade mouthwash because of the same reason that I make all of my own DIY products: less chemical exposures and more money in my wallet. Not only is this CHEAP (less than $0.50 to make an entire batch), but you know exactly what is in this product!

Did you know that there are little regulations for  chemical ingredients like thymol, hexetidine, methyl salicylate, cetylpyridinium chloride, methylparaben and finally alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (how do you even SAY THAT!?) Apparently nobody knew how to say it so they shortened it to Benzalkonium chloride which I guess is better, right? Eehhh...

Anyways, these chemicals can do a number of things just check out the EWG's safety rating ;)

And then there is that whole alcohol debate-- is that bad for you? Let's go ahead and say, "Maybe, probably, yes". It can cause dry mouth, halitosis, and there are some studies which raise concern. So, until their are more studies that show that it's safe-- I think I'll pass!

Have I convinced you? Well, let me try again! It can save you money and health, but also time, too! It literally takes less than 30 seconds to make. 30 seconds!!! That's as much time as it would take to walk down the dental care aisle and pick out a bottle of mouthwash (if you didn't read labels).

Easy all natural mouthwash #chemicalfree #essentialoils #Thieves
How To Make Homemade Mouthwash
  • 1 cup of Purified or Distilled Water 
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 5-10 drops of Thieves Essential Oil (depends on how strong you want it)
  • 4 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
  • 2 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil 
  • Optional: 1 tsp baking soda
  • Glass bottle (essential oils can degrade plastic)

Put the salt in the bottle, add the essential oils to the salt, add the water and shake. BAM! Done! Easy right! 30 seconds tops!

I add the essential oils to the salt before I add the water because the salt helps to keep the oils and water from separating (it'll still happen a little bit). You can also use some baking soda if you want a little extra cleaning power, but I use baking soda in my toothpaste so I usually skip that step.

You may want to adjust the ratios of essential oils. Thieves has some cinnamon flavor (which I love) but some people may enjoy peppermint more. You can definitely switch the Peppermint and Thieves in this recipe. In fact, that's exactly what I do for my man-- he is a peppermint fiend! You may also like it the flavor to be stronger or weaker so feel free to use a drop more or a drop less per your tastebuds.

Remember it's very important to use quality essential oils especially when you want to use them for therapeutic value. The regulations are poor for labeling of essential oils so to be labeled as "pure" the companies actually only need 10% "pure" product and the rest can be synthetic additives. {rolls eyes} So "pure" on a bottle means diddly squat. If you want to know more about essential oils, then please read this fancy little summary that I wrote. Psst… it's not fancy. 

I hope you enjoy this mouthwash recipe! I'd love to know what you think about it.

If you'd like to join my Natural Living Support Group on Facebook please fill out this form!

Important consideration: Tap water has chlorine, mercury, fluoride, nitrates, and may even contain some carcinogens. I want to avoid all of that so I use distilled or purified instead.

Want more natural ideas for oral health?
Mary Vance talks more about the benefit of Thieves for oral health
Do you want to know more about Essential Oils that are good for oral care and learn about oil pulling at the same time? Check out this post.
Now that you have DIY mouthwash, do you want some DIY toothpaste too?
If you'd like to join my Natural Living Support Group on Facebook please fill out this form!

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Clean and Detoxify with Herbal Detox by Herb Pharm

I recently had a fantastic opportunity to write a guest post for my friend Lleaon over at The Holistic Saffron. She's an herbalist and aromatherapists who has a great blog that's really focuses on the healthy aspects of being natural. I was super honored when she asked me to write a piece for her blog! Eeeck!!!

All Natural Herbal Detox

Over the last few weeks, I have been taking Herbal Detox by Herb Pharm to help do a gentle detox to prepare me for a larger detox which I'm going to be taking part of soon (stay tuned for that!). Herbal Detox is an amazing 100% natural product which uses wildcrafted or organically grown herbs which I loooove! I'm super impressed with not only the ingredients themselves, but how dedicated the company is to making sure that they provide healthy, chemical-free options.

You should see some of the testimonials of people who use this product-- it ranges from helping with acne, sinus problems, joint pain, and even helping with some medical conditions. It's truly an amazing little product that's so gentle on the body.

I'd love it if you'd want to read more about my experience with this awesome little product! To see more about The Herbal Detox please go to my friend's website: Holistic Saffron. Thanks!!

If you'd like to join my Natural Living Support Group on Facebook please fill out this form!

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Superwoman Slim Down Detox and a GIVEAWAY

If you have read my blog for a while, then you know that I'm a big believer in detox programs. I've detoxed with bentonite clay, herbs, more herbs, essential oils, lemon water… you name it. Why? Because I really, really believe that a good detox is important for optimal health, maintaining proper weight, promoting healthy skin and reducing my risk for chronic illness.

I used to believe that just because I ate organic foods and reduced my sugar intake, I was healthy, but I forgot to think about all the things which I don't have control over. As much as I try to be 100% chemical free, my family still come in contact with so many chemicals, toxins, and heavy metals through the air we breath, medicines we take, foods/drinks we consume and the different substances that we put on our skin. Overtime, these pollutants build up in our tissues and can be detrimental to our physical and emotional health. Soooo…. it's kind of a good idea to cleanse the body every now and then. {wink}

So how do you know if you need a detox?

Are you:
  • Feeling like you need to drop a few pounds
  • Tired
  • Bloated or irregular
  • Suffering from skin problems (acne, rashes, eczema)
  • Having trouble sleeping
  • In a constant brain fog or have trouble concentrating
  • Sick of looking at a closet full of clothes and still not finding anything to wear
  • Dealing with allergies
  • Popping pills for headaches, joint pain, or muscle aches
  • Covering up those dark circles and puffy eyes with makeup and expensive skin creams
  • Battling cravings
  • Moody
If any of those describe you, then you may want to try to detox. But good neeeeews! This giveaway is all about detoxing, losing weight and finding a healthier YOU!


I’m really excited to be teaming up with Kristen from MIX | wellness solutions for a balanced life and some of my favorite bloggers to give YOU the chance to reclaim your inner Superwoman (or man) and WIN a coveted spot in The Superwoman Slim Down: A Real Food Detox and Cleanse for Real Women (a $347 value!)! You can read all about it here: Slim Down Program Information

This is NOT an average detox! This is a program that actually teaches you about your body and sets you up for success! You also won't be starving yourself or feeling deprived like some detoxes.

The Superwoman Slim Down is a fully-supported “done-for you” 21 day 100% REAL FOOD, hunger-free program led by experienced registered nurse, certified health and wellness coach, and certified specialist in fitness nutrition, Kristen Boucher. (Whew! I'm tired after writing all her credentials) She will teach you step-by-step how to feel better than you ever imagined while eating delicious, nutrient-dense, metabolism-boosting foods and making your health a priority.

Granted, you shouldn't just believe me. Check out what these former Superwomen have to say about it here: Superwoman Slim Down Reviews

Giveaway Details
One winner will receive FREE ACCESS to The Superwoman Slim Down: A Real Food Detox and Cleanse for Real Women (a $347 value).

How to enter the giveaway:
  1. Sign up for the MIX | wellness solutions for a balanced life email newsletter.  
  2. Like MIX | wellness solutions for balanced life on Facebook
  3. Use Rafflecopter to log your entries and unlock bonus entries. 

***Be sure to visit all the blogs responsible for this giveaway to share the love!***

MIX | wellness solutions for a balanced life
The Darling Bakers
Happy Mothering
Conscientious Confusion

This is a great program, ya'll! The Superwoman Slim Down is a great opportunity to really kick start your health and learn how to reach your goals. I am super excited to have the opportunity to hopefully give it to YOU for FREE! Good luck!  


The Fine Print
The giveaway ends at midnight ET, June 30, 2014. Kirsten will announce the lucky winner on July 1, 2014. Once contacted, the lucky winner will have 48 hours to respond with his/her full name and email address.  There is no purchase necessary to win. This giveaway is open to everyone except where prohibited by law.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

6 Natural Recipes to Support Your Dog's Health

Since I've started using essential oils I've been researching ways to use them for my dog, Hercules. We've made DIY dog shampoo, flea collars, deodorizers, aging support, itchy spots relief and more.

Today I wanted to share with you some of our recipes that have helped Hercules and his doggie friends, Roma and Rudy. I recommend this brand of essential oil because it is recommended by holistic veterinarians! 

How to use essential oils for dogs to create recipes like shampoo, calming spray and more

When using essential oils, the amount used should be based upon the dog's weight. All of these recipes are for dogs who weight 60+ pounds. If you have a smaller dog, please use a larger dilution ratio by doubling the amount of carrier oils or water in the recipes. These recipes are not intended for other pets, including cats. Some of these oils can cause liver toxicity in our feline friends if applied directly to their bodies-- so dogs only please! Never use tea tree on a cat-- very small amounts can be fatal.

I recommend ONLY this brand of essential oil! 

How to make easy homemade dog shampoo. Can be helpful for dry skin and more #dog #DIY #essentialoils
DIY Dog Shampoo
This shampoo can be helpful to support the skin and coat.
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoons of castile soap
  • ¼ tsp vitamin E
  • 3 drops of peppermint essential oil
  • 3 drops of lavender essential oil
  • 2 drops of Roman chamomile 
  • 2 drops of Purification
  • 1 drops of cedar wood 
  • optional: 2 drops of citronella 
Mix all of this together in a glass jar (an oil dispenser works fabulously). It is watery, but use it like you would normal doggie shampoo. It doesn't suds very much, but it's gentle and very effective. A big bonus is that your dog will smell absolutely amazing for days! 

Deodorizing Collar for Dogs
  • ⅓ cup of purified water
  • 2 drops of citronella 
  • 2 drops lavender
  • 2 drops purification 
  • 2 drops peppermint
Mix together the recipe in a small bowl and soak your dog's collar in the liquid. Be careful not to submerge any plastic pieces (essential oils can degrade plastic). Cotton or natural fiber collars are best for this recipe. 

Let the collar dry and then put it on your pooch! Instant awesomeness collar! Yay! And he will also smell wonderful!! I usually save my liquid by putting it into a mason jar and using it to soak his collar about every two weeks. No need to waste, right!?

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

DIY Wrinkle Blasting Lavender and Rose Hips Moisturizer

DIY beauty is my obsession! Ever since my I made my first DIY beauty product, I've been tinkering around finding more and more easy homemade beauty recipes to help support my skin. I am so happy to tell you that since switching to natural products my skin looks so much better and my redness has significantly decreased. After 30+ years on this planet my skin actually looks happy! And from talking to you guys-- I'm not the only one!

I love getting emails and comments from you all and I am beyond thrilled to hear how so many natural beauty products are helping you guys!  I love how so many of you have turn my recipes into your own recipes or even making completely new recipes! I absolutely love it! You guys inspire me so much! It seems like once we actually see the difference natural beauty products can make, then we are always making more!

This time I've come up with something so easy that you won't even believe me when I say it can take 30 seconds to make. But it's true. 30 seconds. Time yourself. {wink}

What You Need:
You simply just mix everything in a glass bottle and then you're ready to go. Seriously, it's that easy! 

How I Like To Use It
I like to clean my face, use Thayers Witch Hazel and then use a couple of drops of this moisturizer on my skin. It absorbs really well and makes my skin feel sooooo soft! But the lavender and frankincense work together to help reduce unwanted bumps too! WIN! 

Here is a video I made to explain a little bit more about the ingredients and how to make this super simple beauty product. 


Did you know that there are supermodels who swear by rose hips oil and it's awesome skin benefits. I figure they must know what they are taking about, right?! 

Just be sure that when you use essential oils on your skin (especially you face) that you use high quality essential oils (read this to see who I recommend and why). I have had readers tell me that some store bought brands have caused them to break out, develop rashes and other skin symptoms. This is often due to synthetic chemicals which can even be in brands labeled as "pure". So just make sure you do your research when choosing an essential oil, carrier oils and other products to make your recipes.

Make this last longer and go further with my DIY Toner

Questions? Make sure you read this article about DIY Beauty Basics 101 before you email me with questions! Thanks! 

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You rock for reading all of that. {pats you on back}