When the temperatures drops, it’s easy to forget the importance of staying hydrated. While we may not feel as thirsty as we do in the summer, our bodies still need plenty of fluids to function optimally. In fact, the colder months can be particularly dehydrating due to factors like indoor heating and the natural drying of the air. Here are some tips to help you stay hydrated and healthy throughout the winter season.
SIP WARM BEVERAGES
Warm drinks like herbal teas, hot water with lemon, or broths are not only comforting but also great for keeping your hydration levels up. Choose herbal teas with ingredients like ginger, chamomile, or peppermint for added health benefits.
INCORPORATE HYDRATING FOODS
Fruits and vegetables with high water content can help you stay hydrated without needing to gulp down glass after glass of water. Foods like oranges, cucumbers, celery, and soups are excellent options during the winter months.
KEEP WATER ACCESSIBLE
Even if you’re not feeling thirsty, make it a habit to sip water throughout the day. Keep a water bottle or a glass of water nearby as a gentle reminder to drink more often.
MONITOR INDOOR HUMIDITY
Indoor heating can dry out the air, which in turn can dehydrate your skin and body. Consider using a humidifier to maintain optimal humidity levels in your home, helping to prevent moisture loss.
LIMIT CAFFEINE AND ALCOHOL
Both caffeine and alcohol are diuretics, meaning they can cause your body to lose more water. If you’re indulging in coffee or wine, balance it out with an extra glass of water to stay hydrated.
Remember, staying hydrated in winter is just as crucial as it is in summer. By being mindful of your fluid intake and incorporating these tips into your routine, you can keep your body well-hydrated and healthy throughout the colder months.
As the winter months settle in, we tend to spend more time indoors, making it crucial to ensure that our living spaces are as healthy and toxin-free as possible. Reducing toxins in your home not only enhances your well-being but also creates a safer environment for you and your family. Here are some practical tips to help you detox your home this winter.
CHOOSE NATURAL CLEANING PRODUCTS
Many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can pollute indoor air and irritate your skin and respiratory system. Opt for natural, eco-friendly cleaning products or make your own using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
Tip: Create a homemade all-purpose cleaner by mixing equal parts water and vinegar with a few drops of lemon essential oil.
IMPROVE AIR QUALITY
Indoor air quality can decline during winter due to limited ventilation. Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to remove pollutants and allergens. Additionally, houseplants such as spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants can naturally purify the air.
Tip: Open windows for a few minutes each day to let in fresh air, even if it’s cold outside.
OPT FOR NATURAL TEXTILES
Synthetic materials in carpets, rugs, and upholstery can off-gas harmful chemicals. Choose natural textiles like cotton, wool, and jute, which are less likely to emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Tip: Regularly vacuum and clean textiles to reduce dust and allergens.
USE ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils can provide natural fragrance and therapeutic benefits. Diffuse oils like eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint to purify the air and create a calming atmosphere. Shop here for a discount!
Tip: Avoid synthetic air fresheners and candles, which can release toxins into the air.
REDUCE PLASTIC USEAGE
Plastics can release harmful chemicals, especially when exposed to heat. Use glass, stainless steel, or ceramic containers for food storage and opt for wooden or metal kitchen utensils.
Tip: Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers to prevent chemical leaching.
MINIMISE ELECTRONICS’ EMISSIONS
Electronics can emit electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and other pollutants. Turn off and unplug devices when not in use, and keep electronic gadgets out of the bedroom to promote better sleep.
Tip: Use a Himalayan salt lamp to help neutralise EMFs and improve air quality.
PRACTICE NATURAL PEST CONTROL
Instead of using chemical pesticides, try natural pest control methods. Essential oils like peppermint and lavender can repel insects, while diatomaceous earth can effectively combat pests like ants, bedbugs and fleas.
Tip: Seal cracks and crevices to prevent pests from entering your home.
CHOOSE LOW-VOC PAINTS
If you’re planning to repaint your home, opt for low-VOC or zero-VOC paints. These paints emit fewer harmful chemicals, making them a healthier choice for indoor spaces.
Tip: Ventilate the area well during and after painting to disperse any lingering fumes.
Detoxing your home during winter is a wonderful way to ensure a healthy, nurturing environment for you and your loved ones. By incorporating these simple, natural strategies, you can significantly reduce toxins and create a space that supports your overall well-being. Keep your home fresh, clean, and toxin-free, and enjoy the peace and comfort that comes with the snuggliness of Winter.
Want to learn more about how to use Essential Oils for health and harmony in your home?
Winter’s chill and shorter days can bring about various challenges, from seasonal colds to the winter blues. Fortunately, aromatherapy offers a natural and effective way to support wellness during the colder months. By using essential oils, you can boost your immune system, enhance respiratory health, promote relaxation, and uplift your mood. Here are some of the best essential oils for winter wellness and how to use them effectively.
IMMUNE SUPPORT
EUCALYPTUS
Eucalyptus oil is renowned for its immune-boosting properties. Its antimicrobial and antiviral qualities make it an excellent choice for warding off winter colds and flu. To use, add a few drops to a diffuser or a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam to help clear nasal passages and support immune health.
TEA TREE
Tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic and antiviral oil that can help strengthen your immune system. Add a few drops to a diffuser or mix with a carrier oil for a chest rub. You can also add tea tree oil to your cleaning routine to help disinfect surfaces and prevent the spread of germs.
LEMON
Lemon oil has strong antibacterial properties and is known for its ability to cleanse and purify. Diffuse lemon oil in your home to help purify the air and uplift your spirits, or add a few drops to your cleaning solutions for an added antimicrobial boost.
RESPIRATORY HEALTH
PEPPERMINT
Peppermint oil is excellent for respiratory support due to its menthol content, which can help open up the airways and ease breathing. Diffuse peppermint oil or add a few drops to a bowl of hot water for steam inhalation. You can also blend peppermint oil with a carrier oil and apply it to your chest and temples.
ROSEMARY
Rosemary oil has expectorant and decongestant properties that can help clear mucus and support respiratory health. Use rosemary oil in a diffuser or mix with a carrier oil for a chest rub to help alleviate respiratory discomfort.
FRANKINCENSE
Frankincense oil is known for its ability to support respiratory function and reduce inflammation. Diffuse frankincense oil or add it to a carrier oil and apply it to your chest and throat to help with respiratory issues and promote easier breathing.
RELAXATION AND STRESS RELIEF
LAVENDER
Lavender oil is one of the most popular essential oils for relaxation and stress relief. Its calming properties can help reduce anxiety and promote restful sleep. Add a few drops of lavender oil to your diffuser, bath, or pillow to create a soothing environment and help you unwind.
CHAMOMILE
Chamomile oil is another excellent choice for relaxation. It has calming and sedative effects that can help ease stress and promote sleep. Diffuse chamomile oil or mix with a carrier oil for a calming massage.
BERGAMOT
Bergamot oil has mood-enhancing and stress-relieving properties. Its citrusy scent can help uplift your spirits and reduce feelings of anxiety. Diffuse bergamot oil or add it to your bath for a relaxing and mood-boosting experience.
MOOD ENHANCEMENT
ORANGE
Orange oil is known for its cheerful and uplifting scent. It can help reduce feelings of depression and promote a positive mood. Diffuse orange oil in your home or add a few drops to your bath for an instant mood boost.
YLANG YLANG
Ylang ylang oil has a sweet, floral scent that is known to promote feelings of joy and relaxation. Diffuse ylang ylang oil or mix with a carrier oil for a soothing massage to help lift your spirits and enhance your mood.
CLARY SAGE
Clary sage oil is known for its ability to balance emotions and promote a sense of well-being. Diffuse clary sage oil or add it to your bath to help alleviate stress and improve your mood during the winter months.
Aromatherapy offers a natural and effective way to support your health and well-being during the winter months. By incorporating essential oils into your daily routine, you can boost your immune system, enhance respiratory health, promote relaxation, and uplift your mood. Experiment with different essential oil blends and methods of use to find what works best for you.
Need a discount? You can go here and purchase your very own essential oils. Use the power of aromatherapy to your advantage and enjoy a healthier, happier winter season!
Winter is a magical time to engage your children in hands-on learning through science experiments. For mothers who embrace a natural lifestyle and prefer a holistic approach to education, these winter science projects are perfect. They not only stimulate curiosity and creativity but also foster a deeper connection with the natural world. Here are some easy and fun winter science experiments to enjoy with your kids.
Combine the excitement of a classic baking soda and vinegar volcano with the magic of snow for a winter twist.
Materials:
Baking soda
Vinegar
Food colouring (optional)
Snow
A small container (like a plastic cup)
Instructions:
Build a mound of snow around the small container to create a volcano shape.
Fill the container with baking soda and a few drops of food colouring.
Pour vinegar into the container and watch the eruption!
Science Behind It: Explain the chemical reaction between baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid) that produces carbon dioxide gas, causing the eruption.
Blowing bubbles is a year-round favourite, but in winter, they can transform into beautiful, fragile ice bubbles.
Materials:
Bubble solution (store-bought or homemade with water and dish soap)
Bubble wand
Freezing temperatures
Instructions:
Head outside on a very cold day (preferably below freezing).
Blow bubbles and watch as they freeze in the air or on the ground.
Observe the delicate ice crystals that form on the surface of the bubbles.
Science Behind It: Discuss how the freezing temperatures cause the water in the bubble solution to freeze, creating ice bubbles. This is a great way to learn about states of matter and temperature.
Create your own sparkly crystal snowflakes using simple household materials.
Materials:
Borax
Hot water
Pipe cleaners
String
A pencil
A jar
Instructions:
Twist pipe cleaners into snowflake shapes.
Tie a string to one end of the snowflake and the other end to a pencil.
Dissolve borax in hot water (about 3 tablespoons per cup of water) and pour into the jar.
Hang the snowflake in the jar, ensuring it doesn’t touch the sides or bottom.
Leave it overnight and watch crystals form on the pipe cleaner.
Science Behind It: Talk about how the borax solution becomes supersaturated, and as it cools, the borax molecules start to crystallize on the pipe cleaners.
SALT AND ICE EXPERIMENT
Explore how salt affects the freezing point of water with this simple and fascinating experiment.
Materials:
Ice cubes
Salt
String
Instructions:
Place a few ice cubes on a plate.
Sprinkle salt over the ice cubes.
Lay a piece of string over the salted ice cubes and wait a few minutes.
Lift the string and see how it sticks to the ice!
Science Behind It: Explain that salt lowers the freezing point of water, causing the ice to melt slightly. The water refreezes around the string, creating a bond.
These winter science experiments are not only fun and educational but also align with a natural, holistic approach to learning. They encourage children to explore the world around them, ask questions, and develop a love for science. Create lasting memories with your little ones while nurturing their curiosity and creativity.
Winter’s cold, dry air can take a toll on your skin, leaving it feeling dry, chapped, and irritated. To keep your skin looking and feeling its best during the colder months, it’s essential to adapt your skincare routine. Today I’ll share top tips for protecting and nourishing your skin this winter, including hydrating skincare routines, natural moisturisers, and herbal remedies for common skin concerns.
HYDRATING SKINCARE ROUTINES
GENTLE CLEANSING
Winter weather can strip your skin of its natural oils, so it’s crucial to use a gentle cleanser that won’t dry out your skin. Opt for a creamy or oil-based cleanser that will remove impurities without disrupting your skin’s moisture barrier.
EXFOLIATION
Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and allows your moisturiser to penetrate more deeply. However, during winter, it’s important to choose a gentle exfoliator to avoid over-scrubbing. Aim to exfoliate 1-2 times a week with a mild scrub or a chemical free exfoliant containing all natural ingredients.
HYDRATING TONER
After cleansing, apply a hydrating toner to help replenish moisture. Look for toners containing ingredients like sodium hyaluronate, apple fruit / green algae extract, or rose water, which help to lock in hydration and soothe the skin.
LAYERING MOISTURE
Layering hydrating products can be particularly beneficial in winter. Start with a hydrating serum or essence, followed by a rich moisturiser. Serums with ingredients like orchid flower extract, boswellia (frankincense) and myrrh resin extract, angelica, and chamomile provide an extra boost of hydration and help strengthen the skin’s barrier.
NATURAL MOISTURISERS
SHEA BUTTER
Shea butter is a fantastic natural moisturiser that provides deep hydration and nourishment. Rich in vitamins A and E, it helps to soothe and repair dry, cracked skin. Apply shea butter to your face, hands, and any other dry areas to keep your skin soft and supple.
COCONUT OIL
Coconut oil is another excellent natural moisturiser. Its fatty acids help to lock in moisture and protect the skin from environmental damage. Use it as an all-over body moisturiser, focusing on particularly dry areas like elbows, knees, and feet.
ALOE VERA
Aloe vera is known for its soothing and hydrating properties. It’s perfect for calming irritated skin and providing light hydration. Apply pure aloe vera gel directly to your skin or mix it with your favourite moisturiser for an extra hydrating boost.
JOJOBA OIL
Jojoba oil closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum, making it an effective moisturiser for all skin types. It’s non-greasy and easily absorbed, providing hydration without clogging pores. Use jojoba oil as a facial moisturiser or add a few drops to your regular lotion for added moisture.
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR COMMON SKIN CONCERNS
CHAMOMILE
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that make it ideal for calming irritated or sensitive skin. Use chamomile tea as a facial rinse or apply chamomile-infused products to reduce redness and irritation.
CALENDULA
Calendula is known for its healing properties and is excellent for treating dry, chapped skin. Look for creams or balms containing calendula to help repair and protect your skin from the harsh winter elements.
LAVENDER
Lavender oil has both calming and antimicrobial properties. It’s great for soothing dry, itchy skin and can also help prevent winter breakouts. Add a few drops of lavender oil to your moisturiser or use it in a facial steam to benefit from its soothing effects.
OATMEAL
Oatmeal is a natural humectant, meaning it helps retain moisture in the skin. It’s also excellent for soothing itchy, irritated skin. Take an oatmeal bath by adding a cup of finely ground oats to your bathwater, or use oatmeal-based skincare products for added hydration and relief.
Winter skincare requires a bit of extra effort to keep your skin healthy and radiant. By incorporating hydrating skincare routines, using natural moisturisers, and trying herbal remedies, you can protect and nourish your skin throughout the colder months. Embrace these winter skincare tips to ensure your skin stays soft, smooth, and glowing all season long. Stay hydrated, stay warm, and take good care of your skin.
My new fave is the Sandalwood Boswellia Firming Cream from Young Living, infused with Swiss fermented grapes and Peruvian carob + nine nourishing essential oils including Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood. There are a few more luxurious ingredients that I haven’t mentioned but wow this product is so nice. It’s designed with mature skin in mind. Tackling wrinkles and fine lines.. tightening up the neck area.. I love it!.
How are you taking care of your skin this Winter? Send me a message, I’d love to here from you.
Winter’s shorter days and longer nights can have a significant impact on our sleep patterns. As the seasons change, it’s essential to adjust our routines to ensure we get the rest we need. Let’s explore a few strategies for optimising sleep quality and quantity during the Winter months. From creating a relaxing bedtime routine to establishing a sleep-friendly environment and addressing common sleep issues, these tips will help you achieve restful, rejuvenating sleep all season long.
CREATE A RELAXING BEDTIME ROUTINE
A consistent and calming bedtime routine signals to your body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. Incorporate these elements into your nightly ritual to promote relaxation:
SET A CONSISTENT BEDTIME
Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends, helps regulate your body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.
UNPLUG FROM ELECTRONICS
The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers can interfere with the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. Aim to unplug from electronics at least an hour before bedtime. Instead, opt for calming activities like reading a book, journaling, or taking a warm bath.
PRACTICE RELAXATION TECHNIQUES
Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga into your bedtime routine. These practices can help calm your mind and prepare your body for a restful night’s sleep.
SIP A HERBAL TEA
Enjoy a cup of caffeine-free herbal tea, such as chamomile, lavender, or valerian root, which are known for their calming and sleep-inducing properties.
ESTABLISH A SLEEP-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT
Your sleep environment plays a crucial role in the quality of your sleep. Make your bedroom a sanctuary for rest with these tips:
KEEP YOUR BEDROOM DARK
A cool, dark room is conducive to sleep. Aim for a bedroom temperature between 15-19°C. Use blackout curtains to block out external light and consider using an eye mask if needed.
INVEST IN A COMFORTABLE MATTRESS AND PILLOWS
A supportive mattress and pillows tailored to your sleep style can make a significant difference in sleep quality. Take the time to find bedding that provides the right balance of comfort and support.
MINIMISE NOISE
Reduce noise levels in your bedroom by using earplugs or a white noise machine. If outside noises are disruptive, consider using a fan or a white noise app to create a soothing soundscape.
CALMING SCENTS
Aromatherapy can enhance relaxation and improve sleep quality. Use a diffuser with essential oils like lavender, cedarwood, or bergamot to create a calming atmosphere. If you’re feeling blocked in the nose or need support with snoring.. try eucalyptus, thyme or one of my favourite blends, Valor. Rub on the chest, on the tips of the big toes or along the cervical spine.
ADDRESS COMMON SLEEP ISSUES
Winter can bring about specific sleep challenges, such as increased fatigue, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and disruptions in circadian rhythms. Here’s how to tackle these common issues:
COMBAT SEASONAL FATIGUE
Shorter days and reduced sunlight can lead to feelings of fatigue. Spend time outdoors during daylight hours to boost your exposure to natural light. Consider using a light therapy box in the morning to simulate sunlight and help regulate your body’s sleep-wake cycle.
MANAGE SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD)
Depending on where you live in the world, SAD can affect sleep patterns and mood during the Winter months. In addition to light therapy, maintain a regular exercise routine, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and stay connected with friends and family to help manage symptoms.
BALANCE YOUR CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS
Your body’s internal clock can be disrupted by changes in daylight during Winter. Help balance your circadian rhythm by sticking to a consistent sleep schedule, getting plenty of natural light during the day, and avoiding caffeine and heavy meals close to bedtime.
STAY HYDRATED
Dehydration can interfere with sleep quality. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, but reduce fluid intake in the evening to minimise nighttime awakenings.
How do you feel about these tips?
You probably already do most of them but were there any that surprised you?
Optimising your sleep during the Winter months involves a combination of creating a relaxing bedtime routine, establishing a sleep-friendly environment, and addressing common sleep issues. By incorporating these strategies, you can improve the quality and quantity of your sleep, ensuring you wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated all season long.
Got any specific sleep questions for me? I’d love to help!
Our homes are our sanctuaries, but they can also harbor hidden toxins that impact our health and well-being. From cleaning products to indoor air quality, many factors contribute to the overall healthiness of our living environments. Today we’ll explore practical and effective tips for detoxifying your home. By reducing exposure to toxins, using natural cleaning products, and improving indoor air quality, you can create a healthier, more harmonious space for you and your loved ones.
SWITCH TO NATURAL CLEANING PRODUCTS
Traditional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Switching to natural, eco-friendly cleaning products is an easy and impactful way to reduce your home’s toxic load. Look for products labeled as non-toxic, biodegradable, and free from harmful chemicals like ammonia, bleach, and phthalates. You can also make your own cleaning solutions using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. I keep it simple in my home with the one and only Thieves Household Cleaner. It’s super versatile, highly concentrated and I love it’s spicy, warm, citrusy smell. Use my referral number here for a huge discount.
DIY ALL PURPOSE CLEANER RECIPE
– 1 cup white vinegar
– 1 cup water
– 10-15 drops of essential oil (like lemon, lavender, or tea tree)
Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle and use it to clean countertops, sinks, and other surfaces.
IMPROVE INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Indoor air pollution can be caused by a variety of sources, including dust, pet dander, mold, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paint, furniture, and household products. Improving indoor air quality is crucial for a healthier home environment. Here are my favourite tips..
Ventilation
Regularly open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate and reduce indoor pollutants.
Houseplants
Certain houseplants, such as spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants, can help purify the air by absorbing toxins. Check they’re ok for your pets!
Air Purifiers
Invest in a high-quality air purifier with a HEPA filter to capture airborne particles and allergens.
Regular Cleaning
Dust and vacuum your home frequently to reduce the buildup of allergens and pollutants.
CHOOSE NON-TOXIC FURNITURE AND DECOR
Many conventional furniture and decor items contain harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, flame retardants, and VOCs. When shopping for new pieces, opt for non-toxic, sustainably-made items. Look for furniture made from solid wood, natural fibers, and low-VOC finishes.
ELIMINATE PLASTIC
Plastics, especially those containing BPA and phthalates, can leach harmful chemicals into your home environment. Reduce plastic use by choosing glass, stainless steel, or bamboo alternatives for food storage, kitchen utensils, and children’s toys. Additionally, avoid heating food in plastic containers, as this can increase the release of toxins.
USE NATURAL PEST CONTROL
Chemical pesticides can introduce toxins into your home. Instead, use natural pest control methods to keep your home pest-free. Here are some of my favourite tips..
Essential Oils
Use essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, geranium and citronella to deter insects. You can order the same ones I do here. 24-50% discount.
Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth
Sprinkle this non-toxic powder around entry points to kill insects without harmful chemicals.
Borax and Sugar
Mix equal parts borax and sugar and place it in areas where you’ve seen ants to eliminate them naturally.
FILTER YOUR WATER
Tap water can contain contaminants such as chlorine, lead, and pesticides. Using a water filter can reduce these impurities and provide cleaner, safer drinking water for your household. Choose a filter that meets your needs, whether it’s a simple pitcher filter, a faucet-mounted filter, or a whole-house system. We’ve been loving and using Southern Cross Filters for years. Make sure whichever filter you choose can also remove fluoride.
DECLUTTER AND ORGANISE
A cluttered home can contribute to stress and reduce the overall feeling of well-being. Regularly declutter and organise your living spaces to create a more peaceful and inviting environment. Donate or recycle items you no longer need, and consider adopting a minimalist approach to reduce the accumulation of unnecessary possessions.
Detoxifying your home is an ongoing process that involves making conscious choices about the products you use and the environment you create. By incorporating these tips, you can reduce exposure to harmful toxins, improve indoor air quality, and create a healthier, more harmonious living space. Let’s move towards a detoxified home, and enjoy the benefits of a cleaner, greener, and more vibrant environment for you and your family!
Linen sprays are designed to freshen up sheets and sometimes clothing between washes.
You might be thinking you don’t really need one because your fabric softener leaves a pretty smell on your clothes and bed linen, but I’m here to let you know that those aromas are doing more harm then good!
I talk a bit more about it over here on this post, but any ‘fragrance’ you come across these days is more likely to be a cocktail of hundreds of synthetic ingredients that are linked to all kinds of illness and disease.
Not too long ago, all fragrances came from pure extracts of plants, aka essential oils. For most big companies, it’s a lot cheaper to fabricate scent in a laboratory.
I don’t know about you, but I’m all about quality and not compromising my health.
ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils have become quite popular these days but they really aren’t a new thing.
Their use dates back to thousands of years ago where they were used not only to heal and nurture the body, but to anoint it in spiritual practice, embalm the deceased, protect from illness and disease and to simply fragrance the environment and home.
Because of their comeback, many companies have jumped on the ‘oily’ bandwagon purely for profit and so there are a lot of ‘essential oils’ out there that simply are not true, authentic extracts from the plant.
Then there is the issue of how they are farmed, distilled and tested..
but that’s another story for another day!
Essential oils, if pure and unadulterated can bring a lot of joy and healing to your life. Plus they are really handy for all your DIY creations.
Here’s a very simple linen spray that you can use to freshen up your towels and sheets.
WHAT YOU NEED
10 – 20 drops of essential oil
70 mL distilled or filtered water
30 mL vodka
100 mL glass spray bottle
METHOD
Add essential oils to 100 mL glass spray bottle.
Add water and vodka.
Gently invert to mix.
Lightly spray from a distance on sheets and other household linen.
Fragrances to try:
Bergamot, Lavender, Geranium (fresh floral and citrus scent)
Lavender, Cedarwood, Frankincense (great for sleep)
Orange, Patchouli, Ylang Ylang (sensual and intimate)
NEW TO OILS?
I have a free Essential Oils Course that goes through the basics of essential oils, how to use them safely, how to save money and everyday uses for your home, beauty, health and more!
I also have a discount code for you if you’d like to try the same superior quality essential oils that I use.
Living a low tox life means avoiding as many toxins as possible in our household and personal care products and one of the places we need to evaluate is our laundry.
I always say, you are the gatekeeper in your home. That means you get to choose what products you use and what products you feel comfortable allowing into your home.
Many products out there that are designed to whiten and brighten, contain ingredients that ‘trick the eye’ into thinking they look cleaner and some whiteners can cause developmental and reproductive effects.
Sadly, most products on the market contain synthetic and harmful ingredients that pose a risk to you and your family’s health and have no place in a healthy home.
Well, you can spend some time looking for a company/brand that is committed to only using safe, beneficial ingredients or you can make your own.
I tend to do a mix of both.
There are some things that I love making myself and there are other things that I leave up to the experts and buy from my favourite online brand.
Here’s a super simple stain stick recipe that has worked for me.
It uses a combo of basic raw ingredients with things I always have at home.
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED
2 drops Thieves Dish Soap
5 drops Lemon essential oil
Hydrogen Peroxide
METHOD
Add the dish soap and essential oil to a 10 – 15 mL glass roller bottle.
Top up with hydrogen peroxide.
Apply to stains before washing.
SUPPLIES
The hydrogen peroxide you can usually find at your local health food shop or discount chemist.
I order my essential oils from Young Living as they work well, are the best value and are free from contaminants and adulteration. (I’ve spent years researching and trying loads of brands)
The Thieves dish soap I get from Young Living too because again, no nasties or hidden ingredients.
Use my referral number as a discount code if you’d like to try these too!
Did you know that fabric softener is one of the most toxic household products you can have in your home?
Apart from crazy ingredients like methylisothiazolinone , a potent skin allergen and glutaral, known to trigger asthma and skin allergies, they also contain synthetic fragrances.
Synthetic fragrances have been linked to cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions and they are in almost everything you can think of!
READ YOUR LABELS
When you start to look around your house and read the labels of your favourite products, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of chemical nasties, but do not fear. I always encourage people to take one step at a time.
Choose one room, one cupboard or one product, and switch it out for a safe, all natural product instead. Just be on the look out for greenwashing!!
The beauty of making your own products is that usually they are very cost effective PLUS you know exactly what is in there. No hidden nasties.
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED
1 tbl of your favourite organic/chemical free conditioner
10 – 20 drops of essential oil of your choice
1 cup of distilled vinegar
1 cup of warm water
METHOD
Add all ingredients to a 500 mL glass jar or bottle and mix gently.
Add a small amount to your wash as you normally would to soften clothes, towels and sheets.
DON’T HAVE TIME FOR DIY?
Here’s where I shop for all my family’s favourite personal care and household cleaning products. I’ve read the labels and they are 100% safe, effective and the company aligns with my values.
They also deliver to my door!
Use my referral code (1706951) for a 24% discount and go here if you want to learn more about how essential oils can bring so much beauty and good health to your life.
