A Natural and Safe Carpet Deodorizing Powder

If there is one thing that makes a home feel happy and clean it would be a clean and fresh smelling living space. With pets, kids, and "man shoes" it can be hard to battle those unwanted odors that often get caught in the carpet.

We bought a carpet cleaner but we don't always have the time to clean them and wait for it to dry before my kids are rolling all over the floor. So I've been on the search for a smell good method to spruce up our carpets.

Carpet powder is something that I used a long time ago before I had kids and was considerate of the chemicals I brought into the house. Most store bought powders have been irritating to our dog's skin and I would assume the same for kids. Since we have kids I need to be extra careful about what we use.

Here is a safe and natural carpet powder that works like a charm!

What you need...

• 2 cups of baking soda
• essential oils ( I used lemon and lavender) about 15 drops of each.

What you do...

You can use a dollar tree Parmesan shaker or you can use an old ball jar with the lid. Put all of your ingredients into the jar and shake until the oil has dispersed.

Let it sit for 30 minutes and then vacuum up. Your house will smell so fresh!
If you don't have any young kids or pets that play on the floor you can also replace one cup of baking soda with a cup of borax. Baking soda and borax are both natural ingredients but borax can also be a skin irritant. Both substances also absorb odors really well. Borax is a natural pest deterrent so that is an added bonus!

This natural carpet powder has really been a godsend! My carpets no longer smell like wet dog thanks to this carpet deodorizer! Sprinkle this stuff before you're expecting company and they will wonder how you keep your house smelling so fresh!

DIY Laundry Detergent

I'm always looking for ways to save money and go a more Eco friendly route with home products. After some research and a little experimenting, I made my very own laundry detergent that works great and is lighter on the wallet! You can also add some essential oil to this recipe to give it a custom scent. I suggest rosemary, lavender or eucalyptus.

Supplies

5 cups of Borax
5 cups of Washing Soda
1 Medium box of Baking soda
I small container of Oxy Clean
1 bar of Fels Naptha Laundry Bar

Grate the bar of laundry bar soap. Combine all and your ready to go.

I use 1 scoop for regular loads and 2 for larger or heavy dirt loads.

Favorite things Friday: Fall decor

Its that time of year. You wouldn't think I would enjoy the change of season so much, especially when its on its way to the dreaded cold winter, but Fall has to be my favorite feel good season, the colors, the smells, the crisp weather and scarves.

It also is a time when crafters induldge in decorating their homes and preparing for the upcoming holiday's!! This week I wanted to show you my pinning favorites for fall decor! In no particular order...

Pinned from : tinywhitedaisies

Source: unknown-let me know so I can give credit!

I love this fall landscape!!! Something about orange against white.

Source: www.bhg.com

Pinned from: jmanning79

Pinned from: Etsy

Source: Whimsys Workshop on Etsy

Source: www.bhg.com

Can Working Moms Coupon Too?

Back when the show extreme couponing first aired on TLC, I started a couponing quest. Didn't publicize on my blog.. I actually made a decent savings but at the time I worked part time. In an effort to find ways to cut costs and save, I have thought about taking it back up?

Is it even possible for a working mom to coupon? When do you find time? I will let you know how that works out... In the mean time, check out couponmom.com. The site correlates current coupons with deals so you can match up and maximize your savings!!! From what I have experienced the print your own coupons are much easier they cutting out individual coupons from the Sunday paper... I am just sayin.


 

Here is a free printable from tip junkie!

Loving Ombre!!!

I trend that I am loving lately is Ombre. Its not exactly recently new, but is seems to be all the buzz. You may notice it with the Ombre hair... blond "highlights", or even with fun colors... such as blue and pink. I love this hair color for ombre below!! looks like her hair is on FIRE!! I may dare to try it this fall!

Hair trends are not the only thing going ombre! I am amazed after my search all the other styles!

This is a super cute way to do ombre on darker burgundy hair~~haircolorsideas.com

Nail glitter in Ombre~~laurenconrad.com

Ombre on a cake with ruffles!!!! Bonus~~cakecentral.com

Party decorating at its finest!!! Ombre tissue poms~~icingdesignsonline.blogspot.com

Ombre in the home~~anthropologie.com

Staircase~~www.designsponge.com

Tumblers~~anthropologie

Going Green

Not too long ago, I tried the Martha Stewart 28 day wellness challenge. I failed miserably at it. I think because I took on so much at one time. I really want a change in my life, but to do it all at once feels like it would be one of those crash diets, where you fall off the wagon. This approach has never worked for me at any point in my life. Slow and steady is the way to go here.


Part of the challenge was changing your lifestyle to a more earth friendly, greener you. This is going to be my first challenge. I've already started substituting my old cleaning products out for more natural ones. Vinegar has become my friend. Below are a list of different methods I have researched from Martha Stewart Whole Living.

Natural All-Purpose Scrub

Pour 1/2 cup baking soda into a bowl. Add just enough liquid soap to make a creamy paste. Spread mixture on the flat side of 1/2 of a lemon and scrub. The lemon acts as a sponge and leaves a natural citrus scent. Use a damp rag or sponge to wipe away any residue. You'll find the paste will stay moist for a few hours.

Mold Remover

Vinegar is a great all-purpose cleaner; use it straight for tough jobs, or dilute it with water. Tea-tree oil is a natural fungicide and can help disinfect surfaces -- mix 2 teaspoons with 2 cups water. To whiten stained tiles or grout, use a mixture of 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide to 1 cup water.All of these solutions can be sprayed onto a surface, allowed to dry, then wiped with a damp cloth.

DIY Tub and Tile Cleaner

Vinegar works well on soap scum and mineral deposits, but rinse thoroughly, as it can corrode some fixtures and etch glaze on tiles. You can also try tea tree oil -- 2 drops tea tree oil with 1 cup water -- in a spray bottle. A natural antiseptic and fungicide, tea tree oil costs more than vinegar but will kill most types of mold and help prevent growth; as with all concentrated oils, it should be used with caution, as it can trigger allergic reactions if it comes into contact with skin.

 Natural Carpet Stain Remover

Pour a small amount of soda water onto a fresh carpet spill, and blot with a towel. Don't rub, as you may mat the fibers. If the stain is set, try hydrogen peroxide: Pour some onto a clean, white cloth, then press cloth to carpet. Wait about 15 minutes, blot with a clean cloth. There should be no need to rinse.