Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is one of my favorite essential oils.  I use it all the time for so many things.  I like to make sure that I have extra bottles in my food storage so that I am never without my lavender.  Here are some great ways to use Lavender:

• Add a few drops of Lavender to pillows, bedding, or bottoms of feet for a restful night’s sleep.
  
• Keep a bottle of Lavender on hand for minor burns, cuts, and scrapes.
  
• Freshen your linen closet, mattress, car, or the air by combining Lavender with water in a spray bottle.
  
• Add to bath water to soak away stress or apply to the
  temples and the back of the neck to ease muscle
  tension.
  
• Use in cooking to soften citrus flavors and add a
  flavorful twist to marinades, baked goods, and desserts.
  
  

Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner

I'm trying really hard to get rid of the toxins in my home in an effort to create a healthier environment for my family.  I've switched out all my spray cleaners for safe and effective cleaners that I make with essential oils.

Here's the Toilet Bowl recipe:
1/4 cup Castille Soap (can get this either at Walmart or a Health Food Store)
1 3/4 cup water
2 T baking soda
5 drops lemon essential oil
5 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Mix all ingredients in a metal bowl.  This is enough for 2 toilets.  Pour half into each toilet and let sit for 10-15 minutes.  Scrub.  Let sit for 10 more minutes, or longer and then flush.

How well does it really clean?  Confession time: one of my toilets hadn't been cleaned for 3 weeks (yikes) and it sparkled when I was done scrubbing it.  I felt like it did just as good a job as Clorox without any toxic fumes.  So next time you have to clean, try this easy and safe alternative, your lungs will thank you.

Also, if your kids clean the bathroom, they can now safely clean the toilets without being exposed to dangerous fumes.