Fill a mason jar about 3/4 of the way with baking soda. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil and set it out in any room. The baking soda works to absorb any unwanted odors while the the essential oil slowly releases it’s magic into the room. You can choose your oil by scent or by the desired effect.  Below are some of my favorite scents.

• Lemon – Has a light, clean aroma that’s stimulating and refreshing – perfect for the kitchen!
• Cinnamon – One of my favorite fall scents.  I use it in the living room, especially when we’re having company.  It’s spicy aroma is warm and comforting.
• Grapefruit – A favorite for a guest bathroom when we’re having company.  It’s aroma is uplifting and refreshing.  A great way to start the day.
• Peppermint – Love for the holidays!  The scent is invigorating and warming and brings up sweet holiday memories.
• Pine needles – It’s aroma is know to act as a household deodorizer.  The scent is revitalizing and it’s a great way to introduce the smell of Christmas all winter long.

If you have young children at home do a little research before choosing your oil.  Some can be irritating, especially to those under two.  Remember, a little goes a long way.

If you like this, check out my stove top air freshener for your next holiday party!

The GE Momsperience was like a really fun, two day Home-Economics course.  I realized how little I knew about purchasing and using my appliances.  I took home some great recipes (I’ll be sharing soon) and met some awesome ladies while exploring the sights in Louisville and embracing Derby fashion.  Today, I want to share what I learned about lighting.  But first I have to give a shout out to the lighting peeps at GE.  They’re based in Cleveland, Ohio, my hometown.  If you’re ever in the area around Christmas, they put on the most amazing lights display.  Our family used to drive through, post dinner and pre-midnight Christmas Eve mass every year.  It’s a great memory and I was happy to learn it’s a tradition that’s still going strong.  Now on to home lighting.

As some of you may or may not know, incandescent lightbulbs are being phased out and will be gone from the marketplace by 2014.  Unless you’ve already made the switch to more environmentally friendly options, incandescent bulbs are most likely what you have throughout your house.  The good news is, GE is working hard to produce a bulb that will offer the same light quality in a more environmentally friendly and incredibly long lasting bulb.  Dawn Ridel, the lighting brand manager, was kind enough to send all of the GE Momsperience bloggers home with one of their new Energy Smart LED bulbs, which retail for approximately $50.  I’ve done some research and tried it out in my house and here’s what I think. 

This nine-watt bulb is energy efficient and produces the same amount of light as a 40-watt incandescent bulb using 77 percent less power.  We learned from Dawn that one of the biggest complaints about energy efficient lightbulbs is they only shed light in one direction.  This new bulb has overcome that challenge, which is great because that was one of my complaints.  Here are some other cool features worth mentioning. 

• 22,500 hour life span or 22.8 years
• No mercury
• Incandescent quality white light (it’s soft, yet bright and doesn’t have that funky yellow tint to it)
• If every American household bought just one we could save $400 million in energy costs and prevent 500 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions
• $85 in energy savings over the life of the bulb (which exceeds the initial $50 investment & that doesn’t count the money you save not buying & changing bulbs every year or two)
• 10 year limited warranty to help protect your investment (funny to think of a lightbulb as an investment since they’ve always been an inexpensive “disposable” item)

I now have one of these cool new bulbs in my kitchen above the sink, because that bulb is impossible to change and it seems to always be burnt out.  The light is bright and really does shine in multiple directions.  Because I spend a lot of time in the kitchen preparing food, photographing food, and enjoying meals with family and friends, good lighting in this area is really important to me.  I’m pleased with the effect of the Energy Smart LED light bulb from GE.  It may be awhile before I can report on how long it lasts since current packaging estimates 22.8 years!  I’m kinda excited about that.  No more climbing on the counter and scraping my fingers trying to change the above the sink bulb! 

I’m thinking I will start by using this bulb to replace those in difficult to reach areas, but only when the current bulbs burn out.  If the $50 price tag puts these out of reach there are several other environmentally friendly options to think about as incandescent bulbs are phased out.  I should also mention that in my research I came across one other bulb that is similar to the GE Energy Smart LED.  Lemnis Lighting, a brand I was unfamiliar with until a friend mentioned it yesterday, is based in the Netherlands and offers the Pharox 300 which retails at $24.95 plus shipping online.  The energy savings and lifetime are similar to the Energy Smart LED, but based on my limited lighting knowledge I think GE bulb is a little brighter.      

If you’ve never thought of lighting in relationship to design, below are a few photos from my friends at CKE Interior Design (they’ve helped me with every room in my house and have worked on some amazing projects including the remodel of Tayst, the first and only green certified restaurant here in Nashville) that illustrate the importance of lighting and how to use it as art.   

FUN FACT:  Did you know that Thomas Edison, the man who developed the first commercial lightbulb in 1870, was also the founder of GE?

* GE Appliances paid for my trip to Louisville to attend the GE Momsperience where I learned about a variety of products.  I was not required to write this post and all opinions are my own.

I love sites like Groupon, LivingSocial and SavvySource, but deals from health-conscious companies are pretty sporadic.  (Something my husband probably appreciates.)  Zulily isn’t dedicated to organic, green choices, but I will say they generally have at least a few offers each week that fall into that category.  Unfortunately, they tend to be geared toward the needs of babies and toddlers and my kids are getting a little old for that.  So I was really excited this week when I discovered two sites totally dedicated to deals and discounts on organic, green, healthy and earth-friendly products and companies. 

Check these out! 

Blissmo- Their mission is to promote sustainable consumption for a happier and healthier people and planet.  A short video on their site asks, “What if you could do more with the power of everyday spending?  How about changing the world and getting a good deal?”  I love that!  It makes me feel good about my choices and using my spending to vote sustainable.  This week they had deals on organic skincare, earth-friendly undies and an eco-adventure for two in Costa Rica.  I just bought the sample gift set from Holly Beth, a luxury, natural skin-care line that’s been featured in InStyle, Natural Health, People, Southern Living and more.  I can’t wait to try it! Like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and start saving! 

GreenBoxTop.com – This deal site focuses entirely on green bargains and gives a percent of sales to designated non-profits that change each quarter.  They don’t offer as many deals each week as some of the bigger sites, but they are alwaysgreen and health-conscious.  In the recent past they’ve offered deep discounts on healthy cooking classes, organic clothing lines, detox programs and eco-conscious web hosting services.  This growing site is definitely worth checking out. 

This last site isn’t completely dedicated to health and earth-friendly companies, but I think they’re worth a mention.

Mom.com- Although they aren’t 100% eco-friendly, I’ve found the majority of their deals are things I would feel good about buying for my family.  This week’s deals include green home products, eco-conscious skincare products, gourmet chocolate bars, books and family magazines.  If you need light bulbs, low-flow shower heads, cleaning supplies, composting kits or any other household item today’s deal from LetsGoGreen.biz  is for you!

How do you save on healthy, green, organic items?

From heels and wedges…

To flip flops and flats…

I absolutely adore summer shoes and can’t wait to add some of these to my warm weather collection.  If you’re looking for stylish, earth friendly shoes to round out your spring and summer wardrobe check out these brands (featured above).

• The Art Company
• Chaco
• Earthies
• FeelGoodz
• Naya Shoes
• Ocean Minded Shoes
• Patagonia
• Reef
• Rider Sandals
• Simple

P.S. As you’re cleaning out your closet to make room for all of your new, fashionable and earth friendly shoes don’t forget to donate or recycle your old shoes.  If they’re still in good condition find a near by Soles4Souls drop off  and donate them.  If they are to worn to wear, send them to FeelGoodz headquarters to be recycled into art as part of their Recycle Your unFlop Campaign.  UniquEco will take the unFlops and distribute them to Kenyan villagers who will make new eco-boutique items out of them to then use for resale.  And you will earn points toward a free pair FeelGoodz sandals. 

Send your unFlops to: 

Feelgoodz Customer Service

ATTn ReCycle your UnFlop

941 Industry Rd Kenner La 70062

I’ll be honest, my laundry routine fluctuates based on time and budget.  But for the most part, I’ve been making my own laundry detergent for about nine months.  It’s incredibly easy and very cost effective and you can find all the details here.  If you aren’t up for making your own laundry detergent here are some other options for greening your laundry routine.

•  Choose an eco-friendly laundry detergent- There’s a growing list of eco-friendly laundry detergents on the market, but for the most part, they are more expensive than their traditional counterparts.  Some of them work really well and some of them – not so much.  My personal favorite for price and performance is Seventh Generation (liquid).
• Choose an eco-friendly fabric softener- I know it’s hard for some people to give up their fabric softeners.  They make our clothes so soft and if your partial to a scent it can be hard to replace.  But did you know the reason those lovely smells linger for so long is because those fabric softeners are packed with some pretty powerful chemicals?  Many of them have been found to cause lung and respiratory irritation and we’re sleeping in those fabrics and wearing them all day long!  We first made the switch to Seventh Generation fabric softener because of our sensitivity to perfumes and it worked really well.  Now, we’ve taken it a step further and are using white vinegar in our fabric softener dispenser.  (You can also use a downy ball.)  It works just as well at softening our clothes, leaves no odor behind and is a lot less expensive!   If you like to have a light scent, add some lemon or essential oil to the vinegar you use for your laundry.  Just don’t over do it.  It only takes a few drops per cup of vinegar. 
• Eliminate static cling naturally - If you’re worried about static cling, it’s probably worth noting that natural fabrics don’t produce static the way synthetic fabrics do.  Obviously, we can’t simply replace all of our synthetic fabrics, but eco-friendly fabric softeners are just as effective at eliminating static cling and I haven’t had any trouble with static since we made the switch to vinegar.  If you have a lot of synthetic fabrics or just seem to have trouble with static, you might want to check out these hypoallergenic, reusable static eliminating dryer sheets from Gaiam.  They can be used up to 500 times!
• Choose cold water - Whenever possible, choose the coldest setting for washing and rinsing your clothes.  This saves you money on electricity, is more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.  Most eco-friendly laundry detergents are made to perform well in cold water. 
• Choose homemade or natural spray starch- Personally, I don’t use starch when ironing, but I asked around and here are the best tips I found to help you out if you like a little starch for your linens or dress shirts.  Make it yourself by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with 600 ml of water in a spray bottle.  This solution will keep for about a week if stored in the refrigerator.  Earth Friendly non-aerosol spray starch got great reviews for an eco-friendly option you can buy.
• Always wash a full load – It’s cost effective and energy efficient.
• Hang dry when possible- Think beyond delicates when it comes to hang drying.  If you have time, hang dry your clothes outside or on a drying rack in the bathroom.  Like washing a full load, it’s cost and energy efficient and it’s gentler on your clothes.

I didn’t get into washers and dryers because let’s face it, that’s not something most of us can go out and replace right now as much as we may want to. But, just in case any of you are in the market for a new washer/dryer, here’s a great article on some of the more environmentally friendly options. 

Now that our laundry rooms are all a little greener, how about a little prettier?  I absolutely love this laundry room makeover from Cameras and Chaos.  If I had this gorgeous laundry room, I might be inspired to do more laundry.

This year, I’m planning ahead.  It’s a fun spring-fever project to do with the kids and we can trim the grass with scissors if it really takes off before Easter.  Here’s how we do it:

You’ll need:  a plastic Easter pail or a basket lined with plastic wrap, drainage stones, potting soil, rye grass seeds and water.  Be sure to grow the grass in the container you plan to use.  It’s difficult to transfer.  If you start about three weeks before Easter that should give you plenty of time. 

Step 1:  Choose your basket and line it with plastic wrap.

Step 2:  Prep your grass seeds by mixing them into several cups of wet potting soil.

Step 3:  Cover the bottom of the basket with drainage rocks. 

Step 4:  Cover the drainage rocks with a thick layer of potting soil (I prefer organic since the bunny will be putting Easter treats in the basket later.)

Step 5:  Transfer the wet soil with the seeds to your basket, cover with a thin layer of dry potting soil and water it. 

Step 6:  Keep it near a sunny window and water whenever the soil gets dry.   If the grass gets too long and starts to droop or bend, trim it with scissors. 

This is a great alternative to plastic Easter grass.  Another option is shredded colored paper.  Use old art projects or scrap paper from crafts.

For me, introducing a bunch of chemicals into the house just doesn’t give it the clean, fresh feeling I’m looking for.  So here are few tips, tricks and product recommendations I’ve learned along the way.  I’m sure you all have your own favorites you’ve discovered in the store or in conversation with your grandma.  I hope you’ll share them with us.

• All purpose cleaner – it doesn’t get more basic than water and white vinegar.  If I had nothing but these two ingredients, I think I could successfully clean most things in my house.  I fill a spray bottle about 1/2 way with white vinegar and the rest of the way with water.  This works on most surfaces and is just about the only thing I use on my kitchen counters and table.  It’s also great for windows, stovetops and the inside of the microwave. 
• When I really want my kitchen sink to sparkle, I sprinkle it with baking soda and let it sit for awhile before scrubbing it with a scrub brush and rinsing it clean.   This is great for tackling stains and anything stuck on and it also works in the garbage disposal if you add a little white vinegar.
• If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, try a mixture of 2 tablespoons of mild liquid dish-washing soap (I like Ivory or Seventh Generation) mixed with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle.  This is a great solution for many of the jobs described above and also works great on scuffed up walls (if they’re painted with an eggshell, semi-gloss or high-gloss latex paint that can handle a little water).
• Although, I love the smell of Method’s almond dusting spray, I’ve discovered that a simple microfiber cloth is the best way to keep dust at bay.  Many dusting sprays contain oils or oil-like substances that actually attract more dust and cause build up.  Rather than spend my money on dusting sprays, I spend it on a big pack of reusable dusting cloths.  Good for the house and the environment.
• If you’re willing to invest a little money in something to help green clean your home, I highly recommend a steam cleaner.  I use mine every week to clean my floors with nothing more than water.  The one time investment has saved me a lot of money on floor cleaners over time and it’s incredibly easy to use.  You can add white vinegar to the water for extra cleaning power, which is especially effective when using it to clean the carpets.  The smell fades away as the carpet dries.
• Another great carpet cleaning tool is baking soda.  I dump a box into an old cheese shaker, sprinkle it all over the carpet and couch then let it sit for 30 minutes before vacuuming it up.  This is a great deodorizer and helps loosen and lift dirt from the carpet and couch surfaces.
• White vinegar comes to my rescue again in the bathroom.  It’s great for disinfecting and removing stains from the toilet bowl, but you do have to let it sit for awhile so do this when you know the kids won’t be running in to use the toilet.  It’s also great for removing hard water stains in the shower.
• I’m terrible about wiping out my oven regularly so when it’s time to clean it I usually need more than soap and water.  I’ve found that baking soda works really well at loosening stuck on food and making it easy to wipe out.  I sprinkle the inside of the oven with baking soda and dampen it with a spray bottle of water.  Let it sit, then wipe it clean (using a little elbow grease).

Overall, the products I use are relatively basic and inexpensive and they get the job done.  If I’m not using something homemade, my go to brands are Seventh Generation and Mrs. Meyer’s.  I also keep a bottle of Method’s Almond squirt + mop floor cleaner on hand for special occasions.  It gives the hard wood an extra shine and leaves a light, pleasant smell behind. 

Now that I’ve shared how I clean here’s my Spring Cleaning To Do List:

1. Clean the inside of the oven.
2. Clean out the fridge and freezer and wipe everything down with a mixture of liquid dish soap and water.  Vacuum the vent.
3. Wipe down the fronts of the cabinets with a mixture of liquid dish soap and water and clean out and organize the cabinets.  (I know there are things I never use that I can sell or giveaway.  I’m pretty sure I still have two rice steamers from our wedding that I’ve never used.)
4. Wipe down the walls, focusing on areas with scuffs and stains, with a mixture of liquid dish soap and water.
5. Clean out our closets making room for warm weather clothes and shoes.  (I actually started this a few weeks ago and finished last week.)
6. Vacuum the carpets and couches using baking soda first to lift the dirt.  Then steam clean using a mixture of water and white vinegar. 
7. Clean the windows inside and out with a mix of water and white vinegar including vacuuming out and wiping down the window trays where dirt has accumulated. 
8. Wipe down the baseboards with a mixture of liquid dish soap and water.

There are a lot of other things I’d like to do and probably a lot of things I’m forgetting, but this is a pretty big list to get me started.  I’m hoping to tackle a few things each week so I’ll be finished with everything by mid-April. 

Do you spring clean?  What’s on your list?

The West Elm bedding I love

Welcome to Makeover Monday! Today, we’re talking about bedding.  Like proper nutrition and exercise, a good night’s sleep is essential for good health.  I know from experience how damaging it can  be when we don’t get enough rest and I’m working on changing that.  Starting with my bedroom – more specifically my bedding!   

Many popular bedding choices (including the the sheets I’m currently sitting under) are made from synthetic products that release chemicals and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.  If you’re at all sensitive to chemicals, like us, you might benefit from a more natural choice.  But even if you aren’t, you’re likely to find the breath-ability of natural fabrics more comfortable. 

Here are few things to consider:

• Organic cotton is one of the most affordable natural fibers when it comes to things like sheets and pillow cases.  Be sure to look for options with no formaldehyde (generally added for wrinkle resistance), which, in high concentrations or to those who are highly sensitive, can trigger asthma attacks, nausea or burning in the eyes and throat.  Cotton-flannel and cotton- jersey fabrics are good formaldehyde free options.
• Silk and linen are two of the most popular natural fibers for bedding, but bamboo and modal are new options that are gaining a following.  Be sure to find samples you can feel or stores that allow you to return open sheets if you’re trying a fabric for the first time. 
• If you’re in the market for new sheets, it’s often worth it to be patient, save up and spend a little more money for high quality, natural sheets that will last.

Where to look:

• Gaiam has an affordable selection of natural and organic sheets and pillowcases in a variety of colors and styles. 
• The Company Store has a smaller selection, but it includes a wide range of solid colors and a few cute patterns.
• For nurseries and kids rooms, The Land of Nod has a pricey, but quality selection.
• West Elm, Pottery Barn and even Target are other good options.

The average person will spend close to 3,000 hours under their sheets this year so why not have sheets that help us make the most of that time.  Choosing natural fibers means you and your sheets will breath better - a great start to a good nights sleep.  Plus, natural fibers are renewable and organic fibers mean less chemicals and pesiticides for the environment.  It’s a choice that will make you feel good all over.

Now that I have the organic sheets can someone please tell me how to get my boys to sleep past 5:30 a.m.?

Do you have natural/organic bedding?  If not, would you consider replacing your current bedding?

The idea behind this series is to avoid information overload and simply look at one small area each week.  It will take time, but eventually we will work our way through the entire home touching on everything from the flours in our pantries to the candles on our mantles. 

I’ve learned so much from all of you along this journey so I hope you will continue to share your own ideas as well as your questions.   The series will officially start Monday, March 7.  If you like it, please feel free to grab my button and share it with your friends and readers.  Thanks for stopping by.  I’m looking forward to hearing from you!

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What’s on the menu for your super bowl party?