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Get A Little Crazy With Pumpkin Spice This Fall!

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September 7, 2018 By Rebecca D. Dillon Leave a Comment

I am so ready for fall. It is, by far, my favorite season of the year. And not just because it’s pumpkin spice season. (Although that does add another reason to the yes column.) If you’re a fellow pumpkin spice fan, then keep reading to learn how to score a set of FREE warm and spicy pumpkin scented cleaning products. Plus check out some great tips on getting your home ready for fall along with twelve of my favorite pumpkin spice recipes that you can craft indoors on a chilly weekend.

For the love of pumpkin spice.

OMG. Summer has just dragged on forever this year. But basic or not, I’m so ready for pumpkin spice season! My boyfriend, on the other hand, is just psyched it’s finally football season again. While he’s cheering on the Jacksonville Jaguars, you can find me sneaking across the street for a pumpkin spice latte at our local Starbucks.

I just can’t resist the warm, spicy taste of pumpkin spice – or the fragrant scent! So when I found out that Grove Collaborative now has Mrs. Meyer’s cleaning products in their new fall scents, I was instantly sold. Mrs. Meyer’s has three great scents for fall – mum, apple cider and pumpkin.

If you aren’t already a Grove customer, you can score a free trio of Mrs. Meyer’s cleaning products in your scent of choice. You’ll also get a replaceable head dish brush, free shipping and a free VIP trial when you make your first $20 purchase. You have to hurry, though, as this is a super limited time offer.

I’m a VIP member at Grove and I love that I can get free shipping AND a free gift with every order (with a minimum purchase.) Last month I scored a FREE Grove Collaborative bamboo prep board.

I’ve also gotten completely hooked on their European dish cloth set. These durable and absorbent sponge cloths are perfect for messes – and they helped my boyfriend give up his paper towel habit. Because these sponges are reusable, you simply pop them into the dishwasher to easily disinfect and clean them. If you’ve been working toward a zero waste lifestyle that reduces your carbon footprint, these dish cloths are a must!

Now if I can just break Greg of his Keurig coffee and convert him over to my favorite, lower acidity cold brew.

Once you’ve scored your free cleaning kit from Grove, be sure to check out these great tips for preparing your home for fall. Plus be sure to try one or more of my favorite pumpkin spice skin care and beauty recipes at the end of this post.

Fall homemaking & cleaning tips.

1. I’m not usually a baker (that’s more of my roomie’s expertise) but something about pumpkin spice season always inspires me to whip up an apple pie or a batch of pumpkin muffins. When that happens, Mrs. Meyer’s dish soap and the Grove replaceable head dish brush are perfect for a quick cleanup! Plus, they make a pretty sink-side display.

2. A fresh towel is such an underrated way to add some seasonal vibes to your kitchen. Grove’s heirloom red kitchen towel adds a pop of fall color and can handle the toughest messes.

Whether we’re hosting a casual cookout or a football party, fall is my favorite time of year to entertain. My roommate and I always make sure the guest bathroom is stocked with fluffy hand towels, plenty of toilet paper, and of course a seasonal hand soap. I receive so many compliments on Mrs. Meyer’s fall fragrances (and guests always want to know where I got them since our local stores sell out so quickly!)

3. Brisk fall days are perfect for tackling outdoor tasks and preparing your home for winter. Mrs. Meyer’s multi-surface is the only cleaner you need for wiping down patio furniture, light fixtures, and metal railings. Plus, the bold scents give you a boost of energy while you’re cleaning!

4. As the nights get cooler, it’s time to pull out your cozy fall bedding. To make your favorite blanket even softer and cozier, add a few drops of Grove’s lavender essential oil to Grove’s wool dryer balls before you toss them in the dryer!

My roommate, Bambi, wasn’t really sure about the dryer balls when I first purchased them, but now she’s hooked. Not only does it make our laundry softer, it also reduces static and decreases drying time so we can save energy.

5. Switching over your closet? Before you store your summer clothes, give them a good wash with Method laundry detergent so they’re fresh for next season.

I love using Method’s 4x concentrated laundry detergent. I bought the ginger mango fragrance two months ago and still have a ton of detergent left. I love the scent. However I really love that it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. Not only is this detergent HE friendly – I use it at my boyfriend’s apartment too – the bottle is designed so the cap doesn’t get all gummy from measuring out the amount I need.

6. Just like I reach for different clothes once the weather gets cooler, I also reach for different skincare products. I can’t live without Grove’s nourishing coconut skin superfood — it can be used as a face and body moisturizer, cuticle cream, and even eye makeup remover!

7. The start of fall also means the start of cold and flu season! To keep the sniffles at bay, I always keep a Grove hydrating hand sanitizer spray in my purse or travel bag. (This stuff is AMAZING!)

8. Can you believe stores are already putting out Halloween decor? This year, I’m aiming for zero-waste with natural decor like pinecones, potted mums, and gourds. They look festive and don’t take up that much needed storage space!

9. Tip to save on your fall product needs: Once you’ve submitted your Grove order, you will be signed up for the free 60 day VIP trial. For 60 days, save even more with free shipping, free gifts, price matching, exclusive sales and personal service. What are you waiting for? Order today!

Pumpkin Spice Skin Care & Beauty Recipes

Now that your home is in order, why not mess it up again? Try one of these fun pumpkin spice skin care & beauty recipes for you next weekend DIY. I mean, you do get to clean up the aftermath with more pumpkin spice. So why not?

Don’t forget to invite over a friend or two. I find that crafting is a ton more fun with friends as project cohorts. And a bottle of wine is always nice too!

For more pumpkin spice inspired bath & beauty recipes, be sure to follow my Pumpkin Spice Bath, Beauty & Skin Recipes board on Pinterest. I’d also love for you to share your favorite pumpkin spice products or recipes in the comments!

If you’d like to receive notification of new articles from Soap Deli News blog, be sure to follow me across all of your favorite social media platforms. You can find me on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Blog Lovin’, and Instagram. Or, alternately, you can also subscribe to Soap Deli News via email for future updates, DIY projects and recipes.

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Shopping Tagged With: autumn, cleaning, cleaning solutions, eco-friendly, fall, green living, homemaking, life tips and tricks, lifestyle, pumpkin, pumpkin spice, tips

Simple All Natural Beauty Recipes To Craft In Your Kitchen

I may receive compensation from links on this site. See my disclosure policy.

August 24, 2018 By Rebecca D. Dillon Leave a Comment

This post is sponsored by iHerb. All opinions are my own.

Natural ingredients matter. Whether it’s the food you eat or the beauty products you use, it’s important to know that you’re giving your body the best care possible. With Nature’s Way products from iHerb, I know I’m using ingredients that I can trust. So I recently used a collection of all natural Nature’s Way products to craft five simple, natural beauty recipes that you can make at home!

My roommate, Bambi, and I have very different views when it comes to self care. She enjoys cooking, while I enjoy crafting. We do agree on one thing though. We care for our skin using only quality, natural beauty products. Being on a budget, however, this sometimes means choosing between our favorite beauty products and our must have food supplements. With iHerb we don’t have to choose.

All of my favorite Nature’s Way ingredients are offered through iHerb. Because they’re food grade, Bambi gets to cook with whatever’s leftover. This is, of course, after I’m done getting crafty in her kitchen. It’s a win win for both of us.

While I think Nature’s Way Beet Root Powder is a tasty natural colorant for lip balms, Bambi enjoys throwing it into her red velvet cake mix for both color and a bit of extra sweetness.

I also finally got her hooked on cooking with turmeric more often. (Which I didn’t think was possible.) Nature’s Way turmeric powder makes a wonderful addition to her curry dishes. On the other hand I love using turmeric in my anti-aging skin care recipes.

I couldn’t believe how much more bright and fragrant Nature’s Way standardized turmeric powder was compared to my usual brand. It’s kind of funny because the other day I made a turmeric acne treatment stick for our adult acne. Then Bambi comes home and uses the same turmeric that evening in an amazing Egyptian dish we had for dinner.

Having never shopped online with iHerb before, I was pretty thrilled by how easy it was to register for an account. As you can sign up using one of your social media accounts, it means one less password you have to remember. I also really like that they offer multiple shipping options. Sometimes I need ingredients for my natural beauty recipes right away. So having the option for one-day delivery is a lifesaver!

In addition, iHerb sells over 400 Nature’s Way products. So it’s easy to discover new ingredients and keep everyday favorites in stock. However, I was really psyched to learn that they ship their products to over 160 countries. I know that some of my readers have had to make substitutions in my natural beauty recipes in the past. Certain ingredients aren’t always available in every country. By shopping with iHerb, you won’t have to make substitutions for any of the ingredients I use. Additionally, iHerb also offers customer support in ten different languages to make shopping for what you need even easier.

I bought all of the Nature’s Way ingredients I needed for these natural beauty recipes from iHerb. After trying Nature’s Ways products, I am blown away by the quality. So I can’t wait to create even more simple, natural beauty recipes for you all to try! (Bambi on the other hand is hard at work hunting down new dinner recipes to cook!)

Ready to make something amazing?

Awesome!

You can find my natural beauty recipes for making my beet root powder blush, 2-in-1 lip & blush beauty stick, turmeric acne treatment stick, hydrating aloe facial mist and acne busting charcoal face mask below. Plus be sure to keep reading after these natural beauty recipes for more quick and easy beauty tips you can try at home.

Natural Beauty Recipes to Make At Home

2-Ingredient Beet Root Powder Blush

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons Nature’s Way Beet Root Powder
1 Tablespoon white kaolin clay

Instructions:

This beet root powder blush is so simple to make and it smells completely yummy! Simply measure out the clay and beet root powder using a measuring spoon. Mix well to combine. Then store your sweetly scented blush powder in a cosmetic sifter jar.

For a darker blush, experiment to find your favorite color by increasing the amount of beet root powder or adding a bit of natural cocoa powder.

To use, simply apply your blush using your favorite makeup brush to add a healthy glow to cheeks.

2-in-1 Lip & Blush Beauty Stick Recipe

Ingredients:

3 oz. Nature’s Way Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil
2 oz. Nature’s Way Beet Root Powder
1 oz. beeswax pastilles

Instructions:

This natural 2-in-1 beauty stick is an easy and all natural way to add a touch of color to your lips and cheeks. The combination of the natural coconut smell from Nature’s Way Extra Virgin Coconut Oil combined with the sweetness from the beet root powder is guaranteed to make this your new favorite lip balm! Plus, it’s so easy to craft! As it requires just three simple ingredients, this is easily one of my favorite all-time natural beauty recipes.

To get started you will need a digital scale to weigh out the ingredients.

Begin by weighing out the extra virgin coconut oil. Heat the coconut oil in double boiler. Then weigh out and add the Nature’s Way Beet Root Powder

Stir the beet root powder into the coconut oil so it’s combined evenly throughout the melted oil.

Gently heat for an additional five to ten minutes, stirring occasionally, to infuse the color from the beet root powder into the oil.

Now strain the beet root powder from the oil using a fine mesh strainer. (This will keep your beauty stick from feeling grainy.) Return the coconut oil to the double boiler.

Next, weigh out the beeswax pastilles and combine in the double boiler with the coconut oil. Gently heat until the beeswax has fully melted, then stir well to integrate the melted beeswax with the tinted coconut oil.

Carefully pour the mixture into lip balm containers of your choice, then allow to cool before capping. (This natural beauty recipe will yield about six 2-in-1 beauty sticks depending on the size of your containers.)

To use, simply apply to lips or cheeks as desired.

Aloe Hydrating Facial Mist Recipe

Ingredients:

3 oz. Nature’s Way Aloe Vera Leaf Juice
1 oz. witch hazel
24 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

With fall on the way, skin tends to dry out more often. If you have maturing skin, keeping your skin hydrated is more important than ever. An easy way to keep your skin from feeling tight and dry is to use a simple aloe hydrating facial mist. This natural beauty recipe not only hydrates skin, it also helps to keep it balanced. So this product is still super beneficial in the summer when skin tends to be oilier.

To make this recipe, simply measure out the Nature’s Way Aloe Vera Leaf Juice and witch hazel and combine in a 4 oz. mister spray bottle. Add the lavender essential oil, then shake well to mix.

To use, simply mist onto your face (and body!) as needed to soothe and refresh skin. Be sure to keep your aloe hydrating facial mist refrigerated between uses. And shake your container prior to each use.

Turmeric Acne Treatment Stick Recipe

Ingredients:

3 oz. Nature’s Way Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil
1 oz. beeswax pastilles
.25 oz. Nature’s Way Standardized Turmeric Powder
12 drops tea tree essential oil
12 drops lavender essential oil
12 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

Adult acne is the worst. I mean, it was bad enough when we went through puberty, right? In addition to taking a daily probiotic to help prevent acne, you can also craft this easy turmeric acne treatment stick to tackle breakouts as they happen.

You will need a digital scale to weigh out the ingredients for this recipe.

Begin by weighing out the Nature’s Way Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil and beeswax pastilles. Combine these ingredients in a double boiler then gently heat until melted.

Remove the double boiler from heat, then weigh out and stir in the Nature’s Way Standardized Turmeric Powder. Add the essential oils then mix again to evenly distribute all of the ingredients throughout the mixture.

Now pour the melted ingredients into lip balm tubes of your choice and allow to cool before capping. (This natural beauty recipe makes around six acne treatment sticks depending on the the size of your container.)

To use your turmeric acne treatment stick, simply apply as a spot acne treatment as needed.

Acne Busting Charcoal Face Mask Recipe

Ingredients:

1 oz. bentonite clay
.5 oz. Nature’s Way Coconut Activated Charcoal
.25 oz. fine sea salt
Nature’s Way Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, to suit

Instructions:

Urban living exposes our skin to a lot of toxins from industry and car pollution. You can help to counteract this, and clear your pores, using this simple charcoal face mask recipe. Not only does it help to detox skin by drawing out impurities like dirt and oil, it can also help to prevent acne.

To make this acne busting charcoal face mask recipe you’ll need to weigh out the clay, Nature’s Way Coconut Activated Charcoal and the sea salt. Combine the ingredients in a glass bowl, then mix well using a non-metal utensil to combine.

Once all of the ingredients are evenly incorporated throughout this dry face mask, empty the contents into your container of choice for storage.

When you’re ready to use your charcoal face mask, simply remove the desired amount of the dry mask from your container. Then add enough Nature’s Way Aloe Vera Leaf Juice to form a paste. Apply the mask evenly to clean skin, taking care to avoid the eye area.

Leave the face mask on for five to ten minutes, then rinse and pat dry. Follow with your favorite moisturizer.

Order all of the Nature’s Way products you need from iHerb now. Shop at iHerb to save on your order to make these natural beauty recipes at home. New customers can get an additional $5 off their minimum $40 order. Shop now!

Natural Beauty Tips You’re Going to Love

Now that you’ve tried some simple natural beauty recipes using Nature’s Way products, here are a few natural beauty tips to try as well!

More ways to use Nature’s Way Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil.

You can get super soft, hydrated hair by using Nature’s Way Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil as a hair mask. Simply massage the desired amount of coconut oil into your hair and scalp. Cover your hair with a plastic cap or grocery bag, then leave the coconut oil on for 1-2 hours. Then simply wash your hair as usual.

You can also use virgin coconut oil to create a super easy lip scrub. Simply combine one Tablespoon each of coconut oil and honey with two Tablespoons of sugar. Then massage onto lips using a circular motion for 1-2 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.

Favorite ways to use Use Nature’s Way Premium Liquid Coconut Oil.

Use Nature’s Way Premium Liquid Coconut Oil for shiny, healthy looking hair. Simply apply a few drops of oil to the palms of your hands. Massage the oil between your palms then smooth over your hair to tame frizz and add shine.

You can also use liquid coconut oil to make essential oil rollerballs. Whether you use essential oils for aromatherapy or to wear your favorite scent, it’s easy to create your own. Simply fill an empty rollerball bottle with liquid coconut oil, then add 10 drops of your favorite essential oil (or essential oil blend) for every 5 mL of liquid.

My roommate, Bambi, also loves Nature’s Way Premium Liquid Coconut Oil! She uses it to help hold her style and add shine when using a flat iron to straighten her hair.

More great natural beauty recipes for using Nature’s Way Standardized Turmeric Powder.

Turmeric is such a great ingredient for your anti-aging natural beauty recipes because it can help with hyperpigmentation as well as adult acne.

An easy way to use Nature’s Way Standardized Turmeric Powder is to craft an anti-aging beauty scrub. To make yours, simply mix two Tablespoons of Nature’s Way Alive! Vitamin C Powder with one teaspoon each of turmeric, milk and honey. Mix well then massage onto damp skin using a circular motion. Then rinse off.

To make a turmeric skin brightening face mask, mix equal parts lemon juice, turmeric powder and honey. Mix well to combine, Then apply to clean skin. Leave your skin brightening face mask on for 15 minutes, then rinse and pat dry. If you have sensitive skin, simply substitute the lemon juice with milk or coconut water.

Shop at iHerb now to save on your order of all the Nature’s Way products you need to create these recipes. You’ll be on your way to making your own natural beauty recipes in your kitchen in no time!

Filed Under: Bath & Beauty Recipes, Lifestyle Tagged With: activated charcoal, anti-acne, beauty diy, blush, diy, face mask, facial, natural beauty, natural skin care, tinted lip balm, tips, turmeric

Tips for Staying Healthy As The Kids Head Back to School This Fall

I may receive compensation from links on this site. See my disclosure policy.

August 6, 2018 By Rebecca D. Dillon

Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent or work full time, back to school can be a challenge for every type of family. So when someone in your family gets sick, it makes it hard to stick to a routine that works. Following is my collection of tips for staying healthy (and organized!) as the kids head back to school this fall. So you, and your kids, can stay on top of your game.

Last week I mentioned that my son is starting his senior year of college. So back to school is extra exciting for me this year. Even more exciting is that Cody (my son) is going to the first person on my side of the family to ever go to grad school. However, if your son or daughter isn’t quite there yet, I still wanted to share some great back to school ideas for you as well.

I remember when my son was in elementary school. Every single viral infection or stomach bug that made rounds at school, made its way back into our home. And it never failed, the sound of him puking would wake me up from a dead sleep every single time.

Even after Cody graduated high school there were still back to school germs to contend with. My coworkers at the time had school aged kids. And from time to time they would find their way into the office – especially during summer or sick days. I like to think they contributed to the mighty immune system I seem have now.

Of course, if you’re working full time and you have kids in school, you can’t really afford to get sick. So I’ve pulled together a few tips for staying healthy as the kids head back to school this fall. After all, you have enough to worry about when school starts. With all the after school activities, packing lunches, and helping with homework, the last thing you need to worry about is the next virus squirming its way into your home.

Tips for Staying Healthy this Fall

This amazing hand sanitizer is Queen.

Because back to school means lots of germs, hand sanitizer is a great way to keep dirty hands germ free. I know as well as you do that kids hate to wash their hands. Which is one of the reasons I love the Grove Collaborative hydrating hand sanitizer spray.

This hand sanitizing spray makes disinfecting hands seem like less work. It also won’t dry out your kids hands with excess use like drugstore brand gel hand sanitizers. This awesome spray has coconut oil (for those of you who are a fan!) for extra hydration. And it’s scented with natural essential oils, not a synthetic fragrance. (Keep reading to learn how you can get Grove’s hand sanitizing spray free!)

Simply toss a bottle of hand sanitizing spray into your kids’ backpacks so they can clean up before lunch or snack time. And be sure to keep one in the car, too. It’s a great way to disinfect their hands after school or after sports practice. If time is of the essence, you can worry about one less thing by setting up disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer to autoship monthly from Grove Collaborative. That way you never run out and you save a trip to the store.

Encourage hand washing with this simple idea.

Of course, sometimes, kids HAVE to wash their hands. With younger kids especially, this can be a struggle. The solution? Let them pick their favorite scent to keep by the sink! Kids especially love Mrs. Meyer’s hand soap in lavender and lemon. And, they can make their soap even more special by decorating the bottle with their favorite stickers.

Don’t forget the teachers!

Teachers spend a lot of money out-of-pocket on classroom supplies. So donations of disinfecting wipes and tissues are always appreciated. You can help give back to your child’s teacher for all their hard work by gifting a few containers of Seventh Generation disinfecting multi-surface wipes. They’ll also appreciate receiving several boxes of Grove’s new paperless Seedling tissues for your kid’s classroom. These products are great at preventing kids from passing around the same germs over and over.

If you haven’t heard of Seedling by Grove, it’s a fantastic new brand of tree-free products that includes tissues, paper towels, toilet paper and napkins. Unlike other green brands of toilet paper and paper towels, Seeding products aren’t rough or scratchy. Rather than using recycled paper, Seedling products are made from a renewable proprietary blend of bamboo and sugarcane that creates a soft, luxurious product.

Feed your kids healthy snacks.

One of the first questions kids ask when they get home from school is, “Hey mom, what’s for snack?” While you may be tempted to treat them to sugary snacks or potato chips, try giving them healthier options instead. Healthy snacks aren’t just a better food choice. Natural foods like veggies and fruits contain extra vitamins and minerals that also help to boost those budding immune systems.

So instead of buying those cookie or cracker snack packs when you’re at the grocery store, opt for grab-and-go snacks like cut up fruit, hard-boiled eggs, cheese sticks, and veggies & hummus instead. Grove’s reusable storage bags are a great way to store individual snack-sized portions. Not only are they durable and easy to clean, they also won’t leak in your refrigerator.

Natural ways to fight back to school colds or flu.

Let’s face it. Even if you do take all of the preventative measures to prevent an illness, your kids are still bound to catch a cold at some point. However, with the overuse of antibiotics (especially in cases of viral illnesses in which they have no effect on) sometimes it’s better to try a natural remedy first. Natural remedies not only help to relieve cold symptoms, they can also aid in strengthening your child’s immune system. From soothing medicinal teas to immune boosting syrups, you can find my favorite ways to naturally fight off colds here.

Manage stress better as a mom with natural supplements.

It’s not just the kids dealing with a lot of anxiety and stress as they head back to school. We moms can get overwhelmed too. It can be a real challenge fighting with your kids to get them out of bed in the morning. (I was a holy terror in the mornings growing up.) Or trying to figure out how to drop off and pick multiple kids up from sports or dance practice – when they all have to be there at the same time!

Unfortunately, not only is stress mentally exhausting, it can take a toll on your physical health as well. This in turn makes you more vulnerable to getting sick. So I help my body better manage stress with herbal supplements like ashwagandha root. I also take a daily probiotic which helps to improve my overall health. Probiotics also naturally help to boost immunity. Therefore, by adding probiotics to your daily routine, your body is better able to fight off nasty germs you may come into contact with throughout the school year.

Grove sells my favorite brand of probiotics from Lovebug at 10% off. While I take Lovebug’s Here’s the Skinny daily probiotic, they also offer an immunity probiotic for little ones and a daily immunity probiotic for adults.

Another great way to reduce stress is by staying organized. So you’ll find some great tips to help you stay organized for back to school and keep up with household chores below!

Homemaking & Organizing Tips for Back to School

Clean your kid-friendly spaces with non-toxic all-in-one products.

When things get hectic, multi-tasking cleaning supplies are a must. I love Mrs. Meyer’s multi-surface spray because I can walk around the entire house and clean everything. It’s perfect for cleaning countertops, floors, toys, and even sticky lunchboxes with just one bottle.

If you’ve never tried Mrs. Meyer’s cleaning products before, back to school is the perfect time to give these cleaning products a test run! First time Grove customers will receive a free Mrs. Meyer’s cleaning kit with an order of just $20 or more. This amazing cleaning kit contains one each of Mrs. Meyer’s hand soap, dish soap and multi-surface spray PLUS a Grove hand sanitizing spray and my favorite Grove walnut scrubber sponges.

If you’re ready to get ALL of the shopping for your household down in one fell swoop, you’ll also get a free Grove cleaning caddy IN ADDITION TO your free Mrs. Meyer’s cleaning kit when you spend just $39. Sign up here.

Create a homework station.

Getting kids to sit down and focus on homework is hard enough without having to rummage through the junk drawer for a pencil sharpener. To streamline homework time, create a “homework station” by filling a caddy with supplies like pencils, sharpeners, tape, glue, crayons, colored pencils, and a stapler.

Keep kids busy while you make dinner.

One of the biggest challenges as a mom is keeping the kids busy while you cook dinner. So how do you this without plopping them in front of a screen? Lately, I’ve discovered that kids LOVE dry erase markers and whiteboards. So have your kids write a pretend shopping list, draw, or practice spelling words or math facts while you’re in the kitchen. When they’re done, they can clean the boards with Grove all-purpose concentrate and a microfiber!

Choose the right tools for cleaning your dirty dinner dishes.

Kids or not, if your house is like mine, dishes seem to multiply when you’re not looking. Fortunately, Mrs. Meyer’s dish soap and Grove walnut scrubber sponges make quick work of greasy pans, crockpots, and lunch containers.

Save money on healthy & eco-friendly everyday products for your home.

School supplies can take a big chunk out of your budget. Grove Collaborative is a great way to save on back-to-school household and personal care products like tissues, hand sanitizer, and vitamins. I find that items are less expensive than our local grocery store, and you can often score free products with a minimum purchase. Plus, once you’ve submitted your first order, you’ll be signed up for the free 60 day VIP trial. For 60 days, you’ll save even more with free shipping, free gifts, price matching, exclusive sales and personal service. Join Grove now and start saving.

Discover more back to school tips and ideas.

For more great tips for staying healthy and organized for back to school, be sure to follow my Back to School Pinterest board It’s filled with fun back to school supplies and office candy for the young and young at heart! Plus back to school DIY’s, teacher gifts ideas and printables.

Do you have great tips for staying healthy or keeping organized for back to school? I’d love to hear how you manage kids, housework and your day job without going nutty. So be sure to share your experiences and what’s worked for you in the comments! After all, coordinating with other moms and sharing ideas is another great way to not only save your sanity, but keep your household running smoothly as well.

If you’d like to receive notification of new articles from Soap Deli News blog, be sure to follow me across all of your favorite social media platforms. You can find me on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Or, alternately, you can also subscribe to Soap Deli News via email for future updates, DIY projects and recipes.

Filed Under: Health & Wellness, Lifestyle Tagged With: back to school, family, health and wellness, healthy, homemaking, kids, life tips and tricks, lifestyle, parenting, tips

You Are Not A Failure (Tips to Change Your Perspective & Get Your Mojo Back)

I may receive compensation from links on this site. See my disclosure policy.

June 11, 2018 By Rebecca D. Dillon

Let’s face it. Life is hard. And none of us are without our own set of struggles. When life seems bent on an unending downward spiral it’s easy to become overwhelmed and feel like you’ve failed. You are NOT a failure. Keep reading for my story on struggling with life’s challenges. Plus ten ways to get your head back on track to where it needs to be.

You are not a failure.

What you may see as failures or set backs in your life aren’t failures. They are a part of your journey. They are a learning experience. They are not failures. You are not a failure.

In light of the recent suicides by Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, I wanted to take a break from the usual DIY’s and share some of my life experiences with you. While it’s hard to admit, I’ve often felt like I’ve failed at my life. And I know that many of you have, at some point, also felt like you’ve failed. You are not a failure. And, you are not alone.

Struggling with my setbacks.

Recently I had a marriage fall apart after just six short months. I moved for the sixth time in three years. My blog, which I quit my day job for in February 2017 has failed to grow as quickly as I’d hoped as I struggle to find my footing. I haven’t found the time amidst struggling with the fibromyalgia to even start writing my book.

I feel like I’m drowning in debt. I’ve spent extra money getting started full time on my blog. I made large furniture purchases when I got married – furniture which is now in storage. And I spent more money still when I moved out and had to start over. Money I didn’t have.

On top of all that, I’ve also kind of always felt like a black sheep in my family. I’ve often felt that I wasn’t good enough. I’ve thought that no matter what accomplishments I did make, they were never enough. I’m sure some of you can relate.

Luckily I am now well seasoned emotionally when it comes to starting over. I know it can be done. And I’ve learned so so much along the way.

Learning how to heal.

I’ve been seeing holistic therapist for about six months. (The same amount of time I’ve been legally separated from my husband.) It’s been extremely revealing and I’ve learned a lot.

I’ve learned that no one person can save the world. Sometimes you have to let people in your life go so you can heal yourself first.

I’ve learned how to break those patterns that lead to unhealthy and emotionally destructive relationships.

I’ve learned that success has nothing to do with money or careers. Rather it has everything to do with friendships and happiness.

I’ve learned that opening myself up to the world and all it’s possibilities can help you heal.

I’ve learned – and though there are still days I struggle – that I am not a failure. And neither are you.

You have no idea how much it means to me when I receive random messages from you, my readers. How it keeps me going. How you inspire me to never give up on my dreams. How you push me to try to make that connection and keep giving back. You are the reason I work to share more of myself and my creativity in tandem through my blog – and my life.

When I was a child I always juggled between the hope of three careers – an artist, a teacher and a writer. Soap Deli News has given me the opportunity to be all three of those things. And with that I’ve found that success, for me, also comes in being able to inspire others.

Therefore I encourage you to look at your life. Really look at it. And transition back to those simple things that make your heart feel full. Then, you too, will see for yourself, that no matter what, you are NOT a failure.

Ten tips for getting your mojo back.

#1. If it’s not work related, toss out everyone else’s expectations of you. Your life is what you want it to be, not what others think it should be.

#2. Cut out toxic and unhealthy relationships in your life. Friends and significant others should be there to lift you up, not tear you down. (My therapist recommended the book, Stop Caretaking the Borderline or Narcissist: How to End the Drama and Get On with Life, which you may find helpful depending on your situation.)

#3. Repeat a positive mantra in your head. If you feel down, repeat to yourself “I am not a failure.” “I’m a beautiful person.” “I am worthy.” Whatever is the opposite of how you feel. Over time it will start to sink you – kind of like hypnosis – and you’ll believe it.

#4. It’s okay to be angry. Find a healthy way to let it out rather then keeping it bottled up.

One of the local artist I know gathers her friends and they all smash thrift store dishes against a brick wall to release pent up emotions. (Just remember you will need to clean up afterwards.)

#5. It’s ok to feel sad. Like anger, you don’t want to keep that sadness bottled up either. Let it out.

I personally struggle with bottling up my emotions. Therefore I complete what I call my “emotionally cleansing” when everything seems like it’s too much to handle. I sit in the shower and cry until there aren’t any tears left. Then, when it’s over, I feel better. Like I’ve washed all that negative energy, depression and frustration down the drain with the water.

#6. Take supplements. Magnesium and ashwagandha root are both great natural supplements that can help you better cope with stress.

As I’m over 40 and going through perimenopause, ashwagandha not only aids with healthy stress response, it also helps to stabilize my hormones, stop hot flashes and minimizes overly emotional responses due to my body’s hormonal changes.

#7. Go for a walk. If you can get out of the city and into nature to do so, all the better. Studies have shown that something as simple as a walk raises serotonin levels more than SSRI class drugs meant to treat anxiety and depression.

#8. “It could always be worse.” This is the phrase that pushed me through when I was in so much physical pain from the fibro, I ended up in the ER in tears.

Sometimes you have to change your perspective to realize that as tough as your life is, someone always has it worse. This is not to downplay your feelings or situation, of course. Rather realizing that it really could be worse can help you grasp that you really can survive whatever life throws at you.

It’s also a great reminder that no matter how alone you feel in your personal struggles, you really aren’t alone.

#9. Connect. Reach out to your friends or family when things get tough. Don’t worry that you’re going to be a burden. You’re not. Your inner circle is there because they love you. And that means they are there for you when you need help – even if it’s just to listen.

#10. Seek help. If you still aren’t able to pull yourself out of your funk, you may want to consider seeking professional counseling. If you are uninsured, have an outrageous deductible or simply can’t afford counseling there is an alternative.

My holistic therapist is part of the Open Path Psychology Collective. Formed to offer affordable counseling for those who otherwise cannot afford it, this collective allows you to see any participating counselor within the network for just $30-$50 a session. You simply pay a one time fee of $49. You are then able to see anyone your choose within the network for the lowered rate for as long as you need. (In my case I pay half, or $50 per session.)

Because your membership never expires, you can stop, start or switch counselors at any time as your needs change. You can learn more about the Open Path Collective here as well as search for a therapist in your area.

Remember, you are not a failure. (And one more time.) You are not a failure. You are amazing.

If you’d like to receive notification of new articles from Soap Deli News blog, be sure to follow me across all of your favorite social media platforms. You can find me on G+, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Blog Lovin’, and Instagram. Or, alternately, you can also subscribe to Soap Deli News via email for future updates, DIY projects and recipes.

Filed Under: Health & Wellness, Lifestyle Tagged With: counseling, depression, emotional health, health and wellness, mojo, therapy, tips

10 Tips for Successful Summer Entertaining

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May 8, 2018 By Rebecca D. Dillon

They say the kitchen is the heart of your home. I find that’s especially true for me. My roommate Bambi loves to cook, so we are always hosting a weekly dinner night with significant others or friends. With summer on the way, we expect to do more summer entertaining than ever.

We recently moved my patio table into the backyard to use for summer entertaining as the weather heats up. Bambi loves to grill. So we have a grill on our list of things to buy this summer. There’s nothing more magical than BBQ and great friends as the sun goes down. We’re even thinking of making our own string light solar lanterns.

As Bambi is also a gamer, not just an incredible cook, we’re also looking forward to hosting more game nights. While I prefer games that are more in the realm of Exploding Kittens and Cards Against Humanity, Bambi prefers games of strategy. Hosting guests for summer game nights gives us both a chance to enjoy the games we love.

And of course, I’m looking forward to hosting a few ladies only craft nights as well. There’s something about the warm weather and shaking off the final remnants of those winter blues to inspire extra socializing.

Before summer entertaining gets into full swing however, it’s nice to take a minute and create an inviting space we feel proud to entertain in. Bambi and I are both a bit obsessive about both cleaning and creating the perfect space for hosting guests. It’s one of the many reasons we work so well as roommates – especially post divorce. It’s also why we are both such big fans of Grove Collaborative.

We both love the non-toxic and pet friendly products that Mrs. Meyer’s has to offer. (Bambi and I are both mommies to fur babies!) Not only are they effective at cleaning our home, they also look great by the kitchen sink.

If you aren’t already a Grove Collaborative member, you can get a free kit of Mrs. Meyer’s dish soap, hand soap, and lotion and replaceable head dish brush with your first order of just $20. We received this fantastic cleaning kit when we signed up and loved it! (You’ll want to hurry though as supplies are limited.)

Grove Co. offers more than just eco-conscious, non-toxic cleaning essentials. They also offer other homemaking and personal healthcare products from brands I trust. I buy Lovebug Here’s the Skinny Daily Probiotic at a discount from Grove for my own gut health. (Many of you know I suffer from fibromyalgia so vitamins and supplements are a must.)

Bambi on the other hand is crazy about Grove Collaborative’s Walnut Scouring Pads. In fact she ditched her regular brand of scouring pads for these after she tried them for the first time. She also loves Grove’s Cleaning Concentrate Essentials which are scented with natural essential oils. They’re another great way to get a pet safe, non-toxic clean we can both feel good about.

We also both found the Grove Collaborative Reusable Bag Essentials Set extremely useful. (I got these as a free gift as a part of Grove’s VIP member program.) These bags are super high quality and are great both in and out of the kitchen. We use the large bag for leftover Naan when Bambi makes curry. And the others for easily stashing personal care essentials when traveling and camping.

Place your first $20 order with Grove now to receive your free Mrs. Myer’s cleaning kit. Or, if you’re already a Grove Co. member, you’ll receive a free set of the Grove walnut scrubber sponges that Bambi is so fond of. Then keep reading for some great tips for entertaining guests in your home this summer.

If you’re as excited about getting into the swing of summer entertaining as we are, check out these great products and tips for opening your kitchen — and the rest of your home — to guests this summer.

Great Products & Tips for Successful Summer Entertaining

1. Hand wash summer accessories that have been in the cabinet all winter. Grove’s replaceable head dish brush has curved bristles and a sturdy bamboo handle that’s perfect for washing pitchers, platters, and prep boards.

2. Wipe down the counters to create a clean and tidy space for food prep and serving impromptu midnight snacks. All you need is some warm soapy water and a microfiber. I love the ones from Grove because they have a hanging corner for easy drying and storage.

3. Your sink gets a workout during the summer, from washing grilling utensils to cutting flowers. Make sure it’s up to the task by giving it a good scrub with a paste of baking soda and Mrs. Meyer’s dish soap.

4. Set up a beautiful sink side experience that makes everyone happy. Mrs. Meyer’s soaps and lotions come in a variety of cheerful scents like honeysuckle, lavender, and lemon verbena that guests of all ages will love.

5. Everyone’s always hungry after a day at the pool. Now is a great time to stock up on supplies like Bees Wrap and Grove reusable snack bags for storing cut-up fruit, cheese, and pretzels!

6. Cool drinks are a must for successful summer entertaining. Make sure your blender is ready for fresh fruit smoothies or frozen cocktails. Simply add a drop or two of dish soap and two cups of water and blend on high for 30 seconds. Then pour out the suds, rinse, and dry with a microfiber cloth.

7. Punch up your home decor with a pop of happy color, from new throw pillows to a fresh kitchen towel. I’m feeling inspired by lush greens like Grove’s garden tea towel.

8. Create an inviting entryway with plenty of space for guests to stash sandals, hats and pool gear. I like to stash my Full Circle dust pan and brush from Grove near the front door for quick cleanup of dirt and grass clippings.

9. The powder room is a small space, which means a little bit of effort goes a long way. Freshen it up for summer by laundering and fluffing up the rug, putting out a fresh hand towel, and switching out the hand soap and lotion for a summery scent.

10. Once you’ve submitted your Grove order, you’ll be signed up for the free 60 day VIP trial. The VIP program is a great way to keep your home streamlined all summer, with perks like free shipping, free gifts, price matching, exclusive sales and personal service. Now, it’s time to light a rose candle and enjoy the quiet while it lasts!

For more great summer entertaining ideas, be sure to check out these must have wine and cheese night party essentials. Or grab a few ladies craft night ideas. You can discover even more entertaining ideas on my Party Ideas Pinterest board.

You’ll also want to follow Soap Deli News across all of your favorite social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Blog Lovin’, and Instagram as well as subscribe to Soap Deli News via email for future updates, DIY projects and recipes.

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Party Ideas Tagged With: cleaning solutions, entertaining, green living, hostess, lifestyle, natural alternative, non-toxic, summer, tips