Spring Cleaning Essentials

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Spring Cleaning brings our homes back on track. We can throw our doors open, crank up the jams, and clean our heart out. I was so tired of the cold weather and ready for some spring flowers. Ready to rock some sandals and shorts already!

Here are some of the must-haves when it comes to spring cleaning.

Homemade Cleaners Quick-and-Easy, Toxic-Free Recipes by Mandy O’Brien and Dionna Ford 


Go natural with the cleaners- try and replace as many as you can. It's cheaper and better on your health.

Quick-and-Easy, Toxin-Free Recipes to Replace Your Kitchen Cleaner, Bathroom Disinfectant, Laundry Detergent, Bleach, Bug Killer, Air Freshener, and more…


 Swiffer Pads + Solution

A Swiffer is a must in my house. I think I would go bonkers without the ability to just go- I don't like traditional mops. The only negative thing was buying the pads and solutions. Throwing them away makes me feel guilty AND who wants to spend all that money anyway? SO DIY-er that I am, I searched how to create my own. These are the best tutorial that I could find.

DIY Swiffer Pad from Natural Nesters

All Purpose Cleaner

The kitchen is the most cleaned room in the house it seems. I am always doing dishes or wiping something down. Our food is prepared on the counters and being germ-free is a must. Choosing an all-purpose cleaner is the best way to go.


This Better Life ™ What-EVER! ™ Natural All-Purpose Cleaner is an amazing choice. Not only is it made with natural products, it has a very light scent. This would be the perfect cleaner for those who are sensitive to scents or certain ingredients.

Carefully formulated in the USA with natural ingredients, this plant-based solution effectively handles your toughest cleanups and is safe to use on any surface.


Toy Cleaner

Kids are like tornadoes at lightening speed with grubby hands. You wash their hands to de-germ and keep them clean. Now you can easily do the same for their toys and high chairs with this Dapple All-purpose cleaner. It’s natural and only cost $5. Great deal!

• Perfect for toys, high chairs, swings…even countertops.

Air Wick Life Scents

What better way to refresh your home and kick off the spring season than with the first-of-its –kind Life Scents home fragrance line by Air Wick?  Give your home a refreshing makeover, Capture and share the world's springtime best with Life Scents™ Spring Collection scents from Air Wick®. Life Scents™


Shark Rotator


The new Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away may be one vacuum, but its abilities are limitless. Essentially three vacuums in one, the capabilities will not only leave your floors, furniture, ledges, and even your ceiling fans looking as good as new, you yourself will feel better restored and refreshed for the spring.


Washing Machine Cleaner

I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t live without my washing machine. To give our always working washing machine a little TLC, get a washing machine cleaner. You can also choose to clean it naturally. Naturally Clean Your Washing Machine

“HE washers tend to hold water in certain components, becoming a breeding ground for mold and mildew and causing unpleasant odors.” DIYnaturals.com
Kill mold, mildew, and keep odors down inside your washer. Mixing Baking Soda and Vinegar will work just as well as store-bought

Cleaning Caddy

Photo: TheContainerStore
I love the Container Store. They have a large variety of storage solutions, which I love to look through. This ones has a large, open design to accommodate cleaning supplies, shower necessities, car washing accessories or dog grooming essentials.


Cleaning Help:
If you need a way to get all the cleaning organized, here is some help>
Cleaning Printables will help you get your weekly, daily, monthly, and entire family schedule organized.


Cleaning Tips:
Natural Kitchen Cleaning via Wellness Mama



What can’t you live without during your spring cleaning? Is there something you MUST-have?

Earth Month: Eco-Friendly Beauty

This post may contain affiliate links that help support this site at no additional cost to you. Please read my disclosure page for more info.

I try to be as eco-friendly as possible all year long. Eco-Friendly products help us to keep our environment in good shape. No chemicals, all natural, and made with the environment in mind. They help to prevent pollution and conserve energy.They are better for Human and Animal life because they are natural products.

2015 couldn’t have been a better time to look amazing while also going green. Here’s some amazing products that are must haves for Earth Month!

Pacifica- Charmed Shadow palette

Rich mineral creaseless shadows infused with coconut to create soft lasting, velvety texture. Pearl and iridescent shades to blend and create a rainbow of looks.

Available: pacificabeauty.com

Mineral Fusion SPF 15 Brightening Moisturizer

Mineral Fusion is dedicated to creating effective and healthy skin care while contributing to the wellbeing of the community – this pursuit is called Minerals on a Mission.

Mineral Fusion SPF 15 Brightening Moisturizeris a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer that brightens skin while providing sun protection.Vitamin C and orange oil work to naturally brighten and even out skin tone, while coconut oil provides lightweight nourishment and penetrates deep into skin for long-lasting hydration.

This moisturizer is all natural, not tested on animals, hypo-allergenic, 100% Vegan, and is gluten, paraben, artificial color, talc, & fragrance –free. All Mineral Fusion products are cruelty-free and hold certifications from PETA and Leaping Bunny.

Price: $24.99

Availability: Whole Foods Markets nationwide, as well as other fine health food stores and MineralFusion.com.

Celsius^® Flo Fusion™ On-the-Go

Celsius^® Flo Fusion™ is a great tasting drink for your active, healthy lifestyle. Studies show that drinking Flo Fusion™ before moderate exercise helps you burn up to 100 calories and more per serving, boosts metabolism, burns up to 93% more body fat, increases endurance and provides lasting energy to accelerate your transformation no matter what diet or training routine you are on. The great tasting Flo Fusion™ Transformation Accelerator Powder has the same benefits as the “ready to drink” Celsius and is available in Berry or Orange flavor.

Celsius^®, the world's first Negative Calorie beverage, teamed up with International Platinum Recording Artist, Flo Rida, to create the Flo Fusion™ Transformation Accelerator On-the-Go Powder

Celsius^® Flo Fusion™ is Backed by 6 Published University Studies, and is Clinically Proven to:

• Burn 100 Calories and More Per Serving
• Burn Up to 93% More Body Fat Per Serving
• Increase Metabolism
• Provide Healthy Energy

Healthy Features of Celsius^® Flo Fusion™:

·         No Sugar

·         No High Fructose Corn Syrup

·         No Aspartame

·         Very Low Sodium

·         No Preservatives

·         No Artificial Colors or Flavors

·         Vitamin Enriched

·         Tastes Great!

The item is the newly launched Flo Fusion On-the-Go by Celsius, the ultimate fitness tool for people on the go this spring + summer.

Whish Bath + Body

Get ready to fall in love with the soothing holistic benefits of blue agave while softening and smoothing skin with the following Whish Blue Agave Whish items: Body Wash, Body Butter, Sugar Scrub, Shave Cream, Body Oil and Shave Savour. The Whish Blue Agave Collection is available exclusively at ULTA doors nationwide and on ULTA.com.

Key Ingredients & Benefits:

· Cleanse with Whish Blue Agave Body Wash ($18)

· Remove Hair with Whish Blue Agave Shave Cream ($20) and Shave Savour ($26)

· Exfoliate with Whish Blue Agave Sugar Scrub ($38)

· Moisturize with Whish Blue Agave Three Whishes Body Butter ($24)

· Hydrate with Whish Blue Agave Body Oil ($28)

Whish Beauty Products provide an unparalleled treatment for the body. All Whish Products are Paraben Free, Sulfate Free, TEA & DEA Free, and Petrochemical Free and are all natural. In addition, Whish uses organic ingredients whenever and wherever possible, to create a luxuriously indulgent and soothingly moisturizing experience.

Mastey Hair Care + Color

When it comes to healthy, beautiful hair, Mastey is the clear choice! Without the use of chemicals and additives that can harm your beautiful locks, you get shiny hair color that will last, vibrancy and dimension you will adore, and healthy ingredients your hair will love.

RITUALS Hammam Body Mud

Inspired by one of the oldest cleansing traditions in the world, The Hammam Body Mud from RITUALS Home and Body Cosmetics incorporates Rosemary and warming Eucalyptus to refresh and revitalize skin. This exfoliating mud stimulates circulation by removing dead skin cells using this combination of pure Chinese Clay and eucalyptus.

Price: $17.00

Availability: www.rituals.com

Hello Toothpastes

Show your mouth some love with new naturally friendly™ fluoride toothpaste from hello! In four awesome flavors, including new Peach Mango Mint, this clinically proven paste polishes teeth and freshens breath while delighting your taste buds. Safe, effective, beautiful and now packaged in an easy to use tube, hello makes brushing fun again! All hello products are free of artificial sweeteners, triclosan, alcohol and dyes, plus they’re vegan and cruelty-free. Being such “free” products, it’s only natural that hello is also made in the good ol’ US of A.

Price: $4.99

Availability: Target, Target.com, Walgreens, Duane Reade, Stop ‘N Shop, and other national retailers

 

Icelandic Glacial is a premium, natural spring water that is bottled straight from the source of Iceland. Taking great care of the environment and majestic resource, Ölfus Spring, Icelandic Glacial runs a completely sustainable operation and sources less than 0.1% of the total water that naturally flows to the surface. Icelandic Glacial delivers the world’s first CarbonNeutral® bottled water that is 100% carbon neutral and recyclable, with a net-zero carbon footprint!

With exceptional balance from a naturally low, “sweet spot” mineral content and an uncommonly high and naturally occurring alkaline pH level of 8.4, Icelandic Glacial provides a clean fresh taste with the perfect healthy balance for the body.

Price/Availability: Icelandic Glacial is available in five sizes from 330ml to 1.5L ($1.00-$2.79) at select fine groceries and IcelandicGlacial.com

The Wet Brush

The Wet Brush Earth is giving back to the environment and supporting those in need, while still fighting tangles and knots like it always has. The packaging is comprised of recycled materials and printed with soy ink, while the brush itself is constructed from sustainable bamboo.

The Wet Brush is committed to improving the quality of life in impoverished communities across the globe.  With that goal in mind, they have teamed up with charity: water since they personally know how important water can be.  Their first project will provide a water system for a school in Cambodia so that its students and faculty can finally have access to clean water.

So brush your locks guilt-free and help children in need with the eco-conscious Wet Brush Earth.

Availability: TheWetBrush.com

RITUALS Cosmetics Bath + Body Products

 

Step into an environment of ultimate relaxation with the Wu Wei calming cream bath. Enriched with soothing White Lotus and Green Tea, skin is left nourished and silky soft, ready to take on the day ahead.

For a more intense wash, try Sakura Scrub, featuring a luxurious combination of organic sugar and softening oils. This very indulgent product is formulated with Cherry Blossom and Rice Milk to revitalize for glowing skin.

Availability: www.rituals.com

How do you try to be more earth-friendly? What’s your favorite eco-friendly products?

 

Spring 2015 Fashion Finds

This post may contain affiliate links that help support this site at no additional cost to you. Please read my disclosure page for more info.

I am super glad that Spring is finally beginning to show it’s face around here, YAY! I couldn’t be more excited. I am so tired of the rain and snow. I have been waiting forever (it seems*) to ditch the snow boots and winter coats. I’ve been dreaming of sandals, capri’s, and lots of pedi appointments! I couldn’t wait to see (and share) all the fun new Spring Styles~!

Get your closet warm-weather ready.

Gladiator Sandals

Photo: Kohls.com

I am LOVING the gladiator sandals. They look amazing paired with shorts, dresses, and skirts. They come in a range of colors, styles, and even heights. I like the longer version, think it looks more “gladiator”. The knee-high gladiator above is from the Journee Collection from Kohl’s. Beautiful, huh?

$6 Flip Flops

 

 

Image Source: CharlotteRusse.com

Flip Flops and sandals are always on spot with me. These definitely grab attention, are unique, and a great addition to any outfit. I seen these and wanted to scoop all of them up! There’s animal prints, denim, and even crochet sandals. Pairs well with jeans, skirts, shorts.. looks good with everything!

Chic Carryall

Photo: Courtesy of Robert Matthew

A must have accessory that is all the rave this season, the Robert Matthew Scarlett Tote is the perfect large tote to turn heads everywhere you go. Handcrafted with luxurious soft vegan leather, light gold hardware accents and a fashion forward studded shoulder strap.

 

 

The bag is available in a variety of colors. I am loving the blue and black! I love my scarlett tote- it is a must have this spring!

Photo: Courtesy of Robert Matthew

That's not all, peek inside to find beautifully designed luxury pinstriped interior fabric lining with many zippered pockets and compartments for all your necessities!

Denim Devoured – Shredded & Destroyed

This Spring there are tons of shredded jeans, jean jackets, and denim accessories. Starting with the skinny jean look. Ya’ll know I love skinny jeans and boots.

Image Source: AE.com

Starting at 29.99 American Eagle has tons of destroyed, shredded jeans and jeggings. Whether you are looking for light or dark colored shreds- AE definitely has it. I am having some Wishlist dreams right about now. LOVE them! ♥

 

STYLE tips:

Ankle Boots->

 

Image Source: AMIClubwear.com

  >> Wear the skinny jeans with some cute ankle boots. AMI ClubWear boots are absolutely stunning. I love looking through their boot choices. They have SO many that I’d like to have. The best part is most of them are under $40.. Great quality without costing an arm and a leg. A+

The Classic Sneaker

 

PHOTO: Fame Flynet

PHOTO: JoinConverse.com

Classic Sneakers are go-to when wearing skinny jeans. If you are looking for something comfortable, the classic lace-up is the way to go. You can wear a solid colored sneaker- or spice it up with some awesome colored shoes- make a bold statement-!

The Boyfriend Jean

Image Source: Gliks.com

Boyfriend jeans ROCK! There are so many different ways you can switch up the style. You can pair them with just about anything. No matter your style, you must have a boyfriend jean inside your wardrobe.

Bright Yellow

This spring/summer bright yellow minion like color has taken refuge. No matter what style you wear, you can manage to slip some neon into your wardrobe. It could be an amazing fitted yellow blazer, a neon purse, or yellow sundress.

Long/slim Chains

This spring I am loving the long charm/pendant necklace style. How cute are the ones above? I absolutely adore them. I’ve been wanting to get a charm necklace, and that seems like the perfect one. You can choose whatever charms you want.

I also ALWAYS love the 12 Gauge Girl Jewelry choices. They are amazing. I have a shotgun necklace from them and it’s built to last and only cost $20.

Say Goodbye to Acne + Clogged Pores

Disclosure: I received products to facilitate this featured post.

Effectively clearing up acne is pretty tricky. There isn’t just ONE option available, because there are so many different skin types. It’s pretty hard to judge which one is the best for YOU, YOUR complexion, skin tone, and skin type. Oily, Normal, Combo?? It’s all so confusing at times, huh?

It is very common for pregnant and new moms to have acne because of their hormones. So if you are wondering how to kick that acne the EASY WAY= ZAPZYT is where you need to look. You don’t have to hide from pictures with your baby bump or new addition ANYmore. Smile bright sunshine- your face is clear!

Damaged skin, scarring, a lack in confidence and even depression are just a few of the symptoms that are associated with adult acne. Today, one in five women between the ages of 25 and 40 suffer from it.

From stress to hormonal influxes during or after pregnancy, there are a number of causes for breakouts in adults, but very few effective solutions. ZAPZYT offers one of them!

Using a variety of dermatologist-recommended formulas, ZAPZYT acne treatments are fast-acting, effective and are free of alcohol, fragrances and dyes. The line offers two cleansers – the ZAPZYT Acne Wash Cleanser and Pore Clearing Scrub, and two on-the-spot treatments – the ZAPZYT Acne Treatment Gel and Pore Treatment Gel, which features medications AND soothing botanicals to help heal and moisturize skin. Each product ranges from $4 to $9.

 

*Tips for Clear Acne-Free Skin

*Choosing Makeup + Moisturizers- Clear skin isn’t just about over washing- it’s also about what you PUT on. Make sure you are choosing the right foundations, BB Creams, and Powders for your skin type + texture. Any face washes, serums, + lotions also need to be checked.

*No touching- Make sure you aren’t touching your face throughout the day. The natural oils from our fingertips can cause breakouts, so watch out. Don’t lean your face on your hands or touch your face in any way- use makeup brushes for makeup AND day creams/facial products.

 Image Source: WikiHow.com

After realizing you’re doing it, you might notice how OFTEN you’re doing it. More than you thought, right? Read this for tips on how to Keep your Hands Away From Your Face.

*Wash Nightly- Do NOT (no matter how tired you are) go to sleep with makeup on. It’s only going to take a couple minutes- 10 at the most. WASH and moisturize. Spreading makeup isn’t smart, produces more oil. Wash with Cleanser + Pore Treatment but also make sure you use a calming moisturizer cream (Such as Aveeno).

*Don’t Overwash- Overwashing your skin can cause more problems than it solves. Dirt isn’t necessarily what is giving you the acne, so keep washing to regular schedule. Overwashing your skin will eventually strip your skin of it’s natural oils. Then THAT will throw your skin out of whack, causing it to OVERPRODUCE oils that cause even more acne.

TIP: If your face feels tight after washing it, this is a tip you’re over-cleansing.

Wash with something that doesn’t have a foot-long list of ingredients. If what you’re using doesn’t help within a couple weeks/ months change what you’re using. You don’t want to switch it up too much and confuse your skin though. Give your pores time to react, keep with a product at least 2-4 weeks (unless you’re allergic)

*Snooze it up- Go ahead Sleeping Beauty! Hit the bed a little earlier. You are strengthening your immune system and blocking acne causing bacteria. 

*Change it Up-

Image Source: TheClearSkinProject.com

While you sleep, your pillowcase + sheets are trapping dirt, oil, and dead skin. During the night your pillowcase is producing a bed of bacteria that is constantly being pressed against your face. The solution is to change up your pillowcase + sheets as much as possible. For instance, if your acne is really bad, switch pillowcases every other night (or every night). This will give your pores air to breathe, + less chance of clogging up.