Promises Promises

Ok I've been promising the pic about my foot cleanse, recipes for natural frugal cleaners, Eat From Pantry Challenge recipes and whatever else I think about. So here it is.



This is about 1/2 way through the 30 minute soak, gross huh? I was involved in this study to get this product approved by the FDA where I did hair samples and blood work at the beginning, middle and end of the 6 month study. This is when I learned about heavy metals. This foot bath pulls the metals out of your body (and the blood work did prove that it is effective.) There are more pores in your feet than your whole body so soaking your feet is a great way to pull out toxins. You can also use salt or boil ginger and soak your feet in the ginger tea as a way to detox. If we are getting sick we make sure to soak because our immune system is able to get a break from the toxins and fight the cold better. I've heard it help hangovers too but wouldn't know :)

*** I'm not a doctor, if you are on meds consult your doctor because certain meds can be affected!!


Here's the basic ingredients for my natural cleaners...


That jar with a blue sponge is my version of those ready to use bathroom wipes.

1 1/2 Cups water
1 oz liquid castile soap ( I use Dr Bronner's unscented)
6-8 drops of any essential oil (I like orange and/or lemon also tea tree is antibacterial/antifungal)
sponge or old cloths (wash and reuse)
glass jar

It makes it very easy to wipe down the sink and counter. I keep one in each bathroom and they sell assorted color sponges so I use the sponge that matches the bathroom :) That's the perfectionist in me.

The spray bottle in the picture is what I use to spray the kitchen counter and table.

1 T baking soda
1 T Borax (stain scrubber)
1/2 C vinegar
1 T Murphy's oil (degreaser)
2 C water
6 drops any essential oil


Dishwasher Powder



I stretch my store bought powder by adding equal parts washing soda and borax. Use about 2 spoonfuls, don't use too much. I also use vinegar in the jet dry rinse compartment. Of course I use the water miser option and then when it's done washing, I open the dishwasher and let them air dry (and all that lovely moisture goes into my dry air ahhh)


To mop my wood floors I always have just used my Shark steam mop and vinegar but my kids hate the smell so I have a bottle of vinegar marked "floors" that I added essential oil to so it smells better.

I also have a gallon of vinegar in the laundry room with essential oil (20 drops lavender, rose geranium, cedar, whatever you like) to use as a fabric softner.

Carpet/Rug freshner

1/2 C baking soda with 8-10 drops any oil
sprinkle on carpet, sit for 15 minutes (the powder not you) then vacuum.

Toilet Cleaner

I just sprinkle some borax and tea tree oil in the bowl, scrub and let it sit.

Here's a few I want to try but haven't made them yet.

Carpet Shampoo

(Does anyone know if these are safe for steam cleaners? The stuff you buy in the store is so expensive and not good to breath in!)

2 C baking soda
1/2 C soap flakes
20 drops lavender
8 drops rosemary
1/2 C vinegar
2 C warm water

Tough dirt/car wash

1 gallon water
1/2 C lemon juice
1/4 C liquid soap
3 T baking soda
6 drops eucalyptus (I wouldn't waste the oil on the car wash but that's the recipe if you want to add it)

Does anyone have any other tried and trusted cleaners to share?




This is what my house looks like on laundry day. I hang each person's clothes in their doorway so each room smells good and gets the much needed moisture. Plus it makes it really easy to put away! I hang jeans with those hangers that they come on at the store (just ask most will let you keep them) and I hang them by the pant leg so the heavy waistband pulls the wrinkles out. If I wash in the morning everything is dry by evening. Fleece and athletic wear is dry within an hour!

Black Bean Tacos

The other day I made margarita chicken, rice, black beans, zucchini, salsa and the left overs made these tacos the next day. Just shredded the one piece of chicken that was left, added the extra rice to the beans and salsa (cilantro, onions, jalapeno, garlic and tomato) and a can of rotel. You can add broth to make it a soup or put it in quesadillas, whatever you like.

I made this yummy pizza with mostly canned/jarred items but I did buy the mozzarella and basil but you can add anything you like and any sauce you like. I used alfredo sauce for one and a smoked tomato dressing for the other. Endless possibilities. And I always bake mine on the grill because it's so yummy like that.

Here's the whole wheat crust that is really easy to make in the bread machine.



Here's the toppings I used. Capers, artichoke, jalapeno, basil, mozzarella chunks, black olives, fresh tomato, sun dried tomato, roasted garlic.

Then we planned to sit down as a family and enjoy pizza and a movie (Star Trek) but were very disappointed within 15 minutes that they had to throw inappropriate scenes in the movie so we got up and played charades instead. There aren't many family friendly movies I guess.

Ok that's all for today I have to get busy! I'll share more another time, promise. :)