It’s no secret I can’t stand cleaning, but when it comes to oven cleaning I have a long standing dislike for it. Growing up the smell of Easy Off and Self Cleaning Oven debacles would have me evacuating the home all day to avoid the toxic chemical smell.
Now that I have my own home, I’ve had to find a way to stay on top of cleaning the dirt without the harsh side effects.
Self Cleaning or Solo Cleaning
Anyone that uses their oven to cook on the regular will experience burnt food on the sides or burnt and stuck food on the bottom of the oven often.
If you're like me, it really doesn't sound exciting to sit for an hour and scrub heavily to keep the oven clean.
Self cleaning ovens, although efficient, have been known to produce a lot of fumes from the high heat. (Not something that sounds like a great side effect for trying to keep your home clean).
So for me….solo cleaning it is!
Natural Oven Cleaner
It took me years to get past the trauma of my mother cleaning the household oven to finally take on this challenge myself. My requirements; find a recipe that wouldn’t require gloves, a mask, and windows to be opened for what felt like a lifetime.
I took a lot of time to check out ingredients in many products sold in common stores and realized those options weren’t for me. Luckily I found a natural option that wasn’t harsh on my skin or respiratory system. Here how you can make it yourself:
Supplies
Baking soda
Thieves cleaner
Lemon Essential Oil
Instructions: In a glass bowl take approximately 2 cups of baking soda and add 3 caps of Thieves cleaner and 3-5 drops of lemon oil. Mix it together until it makes a paste. Rub the paste on the inside of the oven. Let it sit for approximately 15 mins and take a wet cloth/towel and wipe it off! (make sure all the baking soda residue is removed before you use the oven again so that you don’t experience any smoke.
I love this plant based recipe for it’s effectiveness and simplicity and I know you’ll love it too! Check it out and comment below with your thoughts.
Who knew this salt would be something that I suggest as a must have staple in every home! Let’s chitty chat about some of the many amazing health benefits of epsom salt and ways you can use it to help destress.
What Is It? Known as magnesium sulfate this “salt” is formed from a pure mineral compound containing magnesium and sulfate both which help stimulate detoxification in the body. With so many of us lacking in proper levels of this vital mineral I tell families to never be without this in their home!
Uses
Bath Soak: probably one of my FAV ways to use epsom salts taking a relaxing soak is a great way to help facilitate detox.
Recipe idea: Take a cup of Epsom Salt add a few drops of essential oils (Lavender and Stress Away are my favs) for relaxation add it to warm water and soak for 40minutes. (20 to pull toxins out and 20 for the absorption of the minerals to occur) **bonus tip: add a cup of epsom salt to raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to help draw out toxins, help with joint pain, and aid with various skin conditions like eczema.
Muscle/Joint Relief: After a hard workout or even just too much sitting our body can feel tight and uncomfortable. I love adding muscle relieving oils in a cup of epsom salts and adding to warm water to soak in for muscle relief.
Salt Scrub: I find that epsom salt scrubs are just as fun as exploring sugar scrubs but with added benefits of providing magnesium. Known to stimulate blood flow and keep the skin smooth you can get so many benefits from this simply DIY recipe.
Recipe idea: Mix ½ c of Epsom salt, ¼c almond oil (or olive oil) and 3-4 drops of your favorite essential oil and use as an exfoliation scrub. **Did ya know certain oils help support the lymphatic system and remove excessive fluid however if it is a citrus oil it can cause photosensitivity so just be aware as you should be ok since you’re washing it off
I’ve had my share of experiences working as a PT in busy orthopedic outpatient clinics and with more and more women lifting weights and engaging in more physically demanding jobs and activities back pain was one of the most common ailments seen.
Both chronic and acute cases of back pain can be debilitating and could benefit from consideration of various natural remedies. Here are just some that you should consider trying out!
Acupuncture: I was always skeptical about this option (maybe because I hate needles) but I have to say I have had great experiences with acupuncture. Considered to be a good adjunct treatment option¹, it has been said that pain results from blocked energy along meridians which are unblocked when needles are placed along the pathways. Be ready to possibly go to 1-2 sessions a week for a few weeks to see best results.
Physical Therapy: I may be a bit biased in this situation however finding a physical therapist that can combine their knowledge along with various techniques such as tai chi, pilates, or yoga can be a great way to find relief without the meds. Feel free to reach out to me if you need suggestions.
CBD: Thought to help aid in inflammatory reduction, reduce anxiety associated with pain, and help overall relaxation, CBD is one method I have suggested quite a bit in the last year or so. ¹²³ Since your body has an entire endocannabinoid system, using quality CBD can help with pain by binding to the receptors already in your body creating an overall relaxed sensation without side effects often seen with THC based products. My favorite CBD products have added terpenes from essential oils to enhance the overall effects on your body.
