In the pursuit of a greener clean, you will eventually come to the conclusion that store-bought cleaners are more expensive than they are worth.

Walk down any cleaning aisle and you can smell the myriad of chemicals, the ones that you are about to cover your home with, and wash down your drain.

Conventional cleaners not only make you – and your pets! – sick, they can be extremely harmful to the environment too.

Rather than shop by colorful packaging, fancy words and intelligent advertising, go the DIY home cleaning route and start making it a routine to keep your home healthy and clean.

6 Homemade Floor Cleaners For a Green Clean

In order to choose the best natural floor cleaner for your home, you’ll have to know what surfaces need cleaning.

Are they wood, tile, brick, cork or laminate?

The best way to keep your home clean is by regular decluttering and weekly cleaning. Discover the cleaning routine that works best for you and stick to it. In the meantime, let’s go over six homemade floor cleaning recipes that you may need for spotless floors throughout your home.

All-Purpose Floor Cleaner

If you have vinyl, linoleum, laminate or tile floors in your home, all you need is 4 ingredients for a sparkling clean.

A good basic recipe for an all-purpose floor cleaner goes like this:

• 2 cups warm water
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
• 3 drops biodegradable soap
• 5-10 drops essential oil (pine, peppermint, rosemary, lemon)

Combine all ingredients in a glass/ceramic bowl, then add them to a glass spray bottle and shake well before spraying on the floor. Wipe immediately with a mop.

As much as we love Castile soap, do not combine it with vinegar: if you do, you’ll end up with more streaks and smears than you started with.

Homemade Wood Floor Cleaner

Wood floors can certainly take a beating! Over time, it can lead to a beautiful patina, but it can also be considered ugly and undesirable with nicks and grooves.

If you start with a well installed floor, keeping it clean will be easy if you sweep and mop often enough.

And the recipe is super simple, all you need for a natural hardwood floor cleaner is:

• 2 cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 drops of essential oil

Same as before, mix all ingredients in a glass spray bottle and spray as you mop, in small sections at a time, so as to not let it dry directly on the floor.

Before mopping, make it a general practice to sweep or vacuum dust/hair first before spraying with any solution, homemade or not.

DIY Tile Floor Cleaner

Tiles floors look elegant when clean, but when there are spills, they quickly become spotted with the most obvious “stains”. Even a bit of dried water can look like a mess.

As such, tile floors must be cleaned often.

Harsh chemicals such as bleach can damage sealants on the tiles and stains can discolor the grout if they sit too long.

If you have tile floors in your bathroom or kitchen, try out these 5 natural ways to clean tile, courtesy of Rainbow Intl.

This DIY All-Natural Orange Vinegar from Bren Did is simply amazing:

1. Start with lemon, orange or lime peels (just the peels!) and load them in a glass jar with a lid.

2. Cover the peels with white vinegar.

3. Let them sit for 3 weeks in a dark place as the vinegar becomes citrus scented.

4. Strain the peels, transfer to a glass spray bottle and use liberally on all tile surfaces.

Rather than throw those vinegar-infused citrus peels away, save them for cleaning the sink garbage disposal. Toss them in and follow up with boiling water.

Homemade Disinfecting Floor Cleaner

With kids and pets in the home, cleaning can become quite a chore.

But it can be a pleasant one at that, provided no harmful chemicals are involved.

If you are inclined to disinfect your floors with bleach or other harsh chemicals, know that there are natural options that really work.

Floor disinfectant ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 2 cups hot water
• 10-15 drops tea tree oil
• 1 teaspoon washing soda (optional)

Mix all ingredients in a glass spray bottle, shake before spraying on floors or countertops. This is a multi-purpose disinfectant, use it anywhere you see fit.

A side note: do not use vinegar on marble or granite! The acid will slowly eat it away. Use these 4 Homemade Marble Cleaner Recipes instead @ Tips Bulletin

Natural Laminate Floor Cleaner

Out of all flooring, this is perhaps the easiest to take care of. Hot water will often do the trick, or add in a little vinegar for an extra cleaning kick.

Sometimes, though, they will end up sticky with a tiny screech at every step.

Remember that we never mix vinegar and Castile soap? We are following the same principle here.

Instead you will be mixing:

• 3 cups warm water
• 3 drops Castile soap
• 5 drops citrus essential oil
• 2 drops tea tree oil (optional)

Feel free to add any essential oils to this all natural laminate floor cleaner that you enjoy smelling around your home.

After all, this is one of the most important things about natural cleaning – the aromatherapy session that comes along with it.

Vinegar Floor Cleaner

Vinegar is one of the most wonderful substances made from natural ingredients. If you can also eat it, then all the better for you and the Earth!

To make an eco-friendly floor cleaner you’ll need just a few ingredients:

• A bucketful of hot water
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol or vodka
• 2 tablespoons biodegradable dish soap
• 10-15 drops essential oil (your choice)

Mix all ingredients together in a bucket, mop until your heart is content, or at least until your floor is completely clean.

If you see streaks, simply mop over the floor again with hot water to get rid of any soapy residues.

Once you’ve found the perfect natural cleaning solution for your floors, move onto a natural laundry routine to help simplify your life and green your wardrobe.

The post 6 All Natural Floor Cleaners – DIY Recipes For A Green Clean appeared first on Natural Living Ideas.

It’s no secret that eggs, full of protein, vitamins, and minerals (enough to grow a baby chicken from just one cell) are one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. 

Worldwide, an average person consumes about 150 to 200 eggs annually.  That’s over a trillion eggs per year! 

Now ask yourself this:

“What happens to all of those eggshells?”

The shell of a chicken egg is comprised of about 96% calcium carbonate (CaCO3) crystals which are bound together by proteins. 

Common commercial methods for disposing of eggshells include use as fertilizer or as a source of calcium in animal feed, but the average consumer typically drops them into the kitchen waste bin or down the garbage disposal. 

If you are among this group, please read on to discover six creative uses for eggshells that will benefit your garden.

How To Prepare Eggshells For Use In The Garden

It’s not simply a case of plopping the egg yolk and white into the dish you are preparing and then tossing the eggshell in the garden – but it’s not much more difficult than that.

Once you have your empty eggshell, give it a good wash with cool running water. Make sure it’s clean and free of any egg residue and place in an open container in your kitchen to dry. You could move it outside on sunny days to dry quicker.

Contrary to popular belief, the shells will not smell at all.

Once completely dry and you’ve built up a significant stockpile, pulverize into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon or mallet.

If you prefer even smaller pieces, use a pestle and mortar to grind up into a fine powder.

Now you are ready to use your eggshells in the garden.

1. Fertilizer

Eggshells are a great way to add calcium to your soil. 

You can simply toss your eggshells onto your soil without problem, but eggshells can take a long time to break down so you may want to crush your shells first.

It may also be wise to wash out your shells first to remove any egg residue and reduce the risk of unwanted pests sniffing out your soil.

Alternately, you can incorporate crumbled eggshell directly into the bottoms of your planting holes in the spring.

While calcium is considered a secondary nutrient for plants, your garden will certainly appreciate the added minerals, especially if you grow tomatoes or peppers as these plants are the most easily affected by calcium-deficiency.

Eggshells in tomato planting holes can be a particularly effective way to reduce the risk of blossom end rot – a common tomato plant issue.

During the winter months, distribute your shells over the plot of land where you will plant come springtime.  Once the ground warms up, you can till the shells into the soil. 

If you are adverse to the idea of having eggshells on the ground all winter, you can also clean and store the shells until planting season rolls around.

While calcium is considered a secondary nutrient for plants, your garden will certainly appreciate the added minerals, especially if you grow tomatoes or peppers as these plants are the most easily affected by calcium-deficiency.

Eggshells in tomato planting holes can be a particularly effective way to reduce the risk of blossom end rot – a common tomato plant issue.

Related Reading: 10 Genius Ways To Use Epsom Salt In Your Garden

2. Pest-Deterrent

If you have problems with slugs and snails in your garden, try sprinkling coarsely-crumbled eggshells around the plants where these slimy little pests like to dine. 

The shells’ sharp edges deter snails and slugs by abrading the sensitive foot of any land mollusc that attempts to cross the barrier.  Most snails and slugs will quickly emigrate from your garden in search of easier pickings.

3. Seed-starter Pots

Because eggshells quickly biodegrade when introduced into soil in the garden, they also double as the perfect seed-starter pots. 

When you open your eggs to remove the contents, try to break just a small hole at the pointier end of the shell.  Clean the inside of the eggshells (boiling water works well for this) and puncture a small drainage hole in the bottom of each empty shell. 

You can then place them back into the carton, fill each shell with moist potting soil, and add your seeds. 

Once the seedlings outgrow their “pots” you can transplant them shell and all directly into bigger pots or out into the garden.

4. Feed the Birds

Both before and after laying eggs, mother birds need more calcium in their diets. 

Sterilize your eggshells by baking them at 250°F / 120°C for about ten minutes so the shells are dry, but not brown on the inside. Then crumble your eggshells well and place them outdoors (in a feeder or even just on the ground) during the spring and summer. 

You can also mix the eggshell crumbles with birdseed, suet, or mealworms in an existing bird feeder. 

Either way, your healthy mama birds just might thank you by also dining on insect pests that may otherwise damage your garden.

5. Repel Deer

If you have deer visiting your garden as if were their own personal buffet every night, scatter some eggshells around the plants they’re munching on the most. 

Deer hate the smell of albumin and tend to stay away from an area that smells like raw eggs. 

Just be careful using this method as the smell may actually attract smaller vermin like rodents who like to eat eggs.

6. Aesthetic Value

Finely-ground eggshells can also be quite pretty. 

If you have a large family or simply eat a lot of eggs, boil your shells to sterilize them, crumble, then drop them into a large glass jar for storage. 

Once you’ve collected enough shell crumbles, sprinkle them around and in between your plants.  Not only will the eggshells help control pests and eventually add calcium back to the soil, the white color can also be a beautiful accent to your garden. 

Add crumbled oyster shells for an even more interesting appearance with all of the same garden health benefits.

7. Compost

There is much debate about adding eggshells to compost, but eggshells are a perfectly safe and beneficial addition to your compost bin or heap.

Eggshells are very slow to break down and so should be washed (to remove any egg residue that may attract unwanted critters), dried and crushed into smaller pieces. The eggshells will likely still be visible in the final compost but will not harm the finished product.

If the other garden uses for eggshells aren’t for you, then composting them is a simple way to return nutrients to the soil.

With these seven garden uses for eggshells under your belt, now both you and your garden can enjoy the health benefits of nature’s perfect food – the egg.

Eat Your Eggshells?

And if you want to learn more about ways to re-use eggshells – including why you should start eating them, have a read of: 4 Reasons To Eat Eggshells & How To Do It

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Read Next: 10 Ways To Use Coffee Grounds In Your Garden

The post 7 Brilliant Uses For Eggshells In Your Garden appeared first on Natural Living Ideas.

When we hear the words ‘spring’ and ‘summer’, most people think about spending time outdoors, having picnics, or grilling out for family and friends.

Unfortunately, such outdoor activities attract one of life’s little irritations – flies.

While there are many sprays available for skin, clothes, and to treat your environment, the idea of coating ourselves and our surroundings with toxic chemicals is repulsive to many people.

Fortunately, there are several herbs and plants that not only repel flies, but are also attractive to look at and pleasantly fragrant to people.

1. Sweet Basil

Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is by far the most popular herb in gardens and in kitchens around the world.

Known for it’s pungent anise-like aroma, basil is a favorite in pots and flower beds near doors and windows.

Not only is basil great for cooking and for its wonderful aroma, O. basilicm is also a natural repellent against flies and mosquitoes.

Here’s a great guide for growing a huge basil bush for unlimited pesto and pungent fly repelling properties.

2. Bay Laurel

Leaves of the Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) are another great pest deterrent.

Not only does this popular herb repel flies, it can also be used to keep moths out of closets, mice and roaches out of your pantry, and bugs out of grains and cereals. 

L. nobilis can be grown in pots outdoors in summer to be brought in during the colder months.

Bay leaves can also be dried and bundled to hang near doors and windows or to be dropped into bags of grain.

3. Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula augustifoli) is often grown for its delightful fragrance and petite purple flowers.

It is traditionally used ground or in dried bunches to add its pleasant aroma to everything from baked goods to chests of drawers.

Lavender is perfect for ornamental planting around doors and under windows, not only for its appearance and scent but also for its insect-repelling qualities.

Lavender repels fleas, moths, and mosquitoes in addition to flies.

Read More: The Total Guide To Growing, Harvesting & Using Lavender

4. Tansy

Also known as Bitter Buttons, Cow Bitter, and Golden Button – Common Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) has been used since ancient times to treat everything from digestive ailments and intestinal parasites to bruises and joint pain.

While many of these uses have since been disproven, Tansy is highly effective at repelling insects and their larvae – so much so that the herb earned negative reputation in the 1800’s for being associated with death due to its prolific use in burial caskets to ward away worms from corpses.

Today, Common Tansy is widely used as a natural insect-repellent.

One word of caution: T. vulgare is considered an invasive species in certain parts of the world. Do your research before putting this herb in the garden and take care not to accidentally harm your local ecosystem.

5. Wormwood

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is perhaps best known for its role in the distillation of the spirit absinthe.

The foliage of the wormwood plant – like most species of Artemisia – is a gorgeous silver-green in color with a velvety appearance due to the trichomes which cover their leaves and stems.

Wormwood is fairly easy to grow, and the oils secreted by the plant are yet another natural repellant for a wide variety of pests including flies, mice, mosquitoes, moths, and ants!

6. Citronella Grass

The pungent oil of Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) is probably the most well-known herbal insect-repellent on the market.

A type of Lemongrass, C. nardus is best grown in a controlled environment as it is also considered an invasive species.

Unlike the subtle Lemongrass herb used in many Asian cuisines, Citronella grass is too strong to be palatable and should not be used in cooking.

There are many natural options to choose from when adding insect-repelling plants to your garden.

Of course, all parts of the world are different and it may be necessary to experiment with different combinations of these herbs to figure out what works best for your climate and soil conditions, and against your indigenous fly population.

Before planting it is always a good idea to do some research. Test your soil, and add nutrients as needed to create the ideal environment for your new herbs.

With a little hard work and a small investment of time, your fly-repelling greenery will make your patio or yard the place to be in the coming summer months!

14 Foolproof Ways To Keep Flies Out Of Your Home & Garden

The post 6 Fragrant Herbs & Plants That Repel Flies appeared first on Natural Living Ideas.

Coffee is good for more than just waking you up in the morning. 

Take a look at this list and find the perfect recycling tips and tricks so you can enjoy your coffee again – even after you’ve finished sipping your morning cup of Joe!

You’ll never throw away your used coffee grounds again after seeing just how many things you can do with them!

Quick Tip:

If you find you aren’t drinking enough coffee to be able to utilize the old grounds, then you can often pick up bags of used coffee at your local coffee shop for free.

How To Use Old Coffee Grounds In the Garden:

1. Pest Repellent

Sprinkle used coffee grounds around your plants to protect them against destructive garden pests like ants, snails, and slugs. Ants are repulsed by the smell of coffee while the slightly abrasive texture of the coffee grounds can be irritating for soft bellied pests like slugs and snails.

It has even been said that old grounds mixed with dried orange peel will keep away some small mammals like cats (though Felix can be a tough customer. If coffee and orange peel doesn’t work, try rosemary oil instead!)

Similarly, you can also soak your used coffee grounds in water overnight to extract more of that coffee goodness, then strain out the grounds and use the weak coffee liquid as a foliar spray.

The spray will have antimicrobial properties and will help to repel many insects, particularly caterpillars. It is thought the smell or flavor of the coffee acts as a deterrent to many critters.

2. Fertilize Your Garden

If you grow azaleas, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, camellias, roses, or other acid-loving plants, then used coffee is the fertilizer for you! 

Mix your old grounds with dead grass clippings, brown leaves, or dry straw to neutralize some of the acidity, the spread them around your plants. 

Used coffee grounds add nitrogen and potassium to the soil (the first and third numbers in the fertilizer formula: N – P – K) as well as a boost of magnesium which all plants need to stay healthy.

Just remember that this fertilizer lacks phosphorus and calcium so it isn’t ideal for encouraging blooms and fruiting.  You’ll need to add lime or wood ash to the mix if you want to create a complete fertilizer using old coffee grounds.

3. Change The Color Of Your Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are one of the most beautiul plants to grow in your garden, but they can present themselves in many colors from bright blue to bright pink. The color is dependent on the pH of the soil.

Alkaline soil produces pink flowers while acidic soil yields blue hydrangeas. Adding coffee grounds to your soil acidifies your soil and can help to turn your flowers from pink to blue.

4. Compost It for Later

If you don’t have a use for coffee ground fertilizer right away, go ahead and throw it on the compost heap. 

Coffee grounds make excellent “green” matter as they are rich in nitrogen. Also, beneficial worms may be attracted to your compost with the addition of old coffee. Just be sure to limit the amount of grounds that you add to your pile so that you don’t throw off the ratio of “green” to “brown” matter. 

Further Reading: Composting 101: How To Create Compost That Works Like Rocket Fuel For Your Garden

5. Caffeine for… Carrots?

If you love carrots and you love coffee, then you’re in business! Your carrots will love you back if you share your old grounds with them at planting time. 

Before you sow carrot seeds, mix them with some old dried coffee grounds to give them an energy boost right from the get-go. You’ll get bigger and better produce with the added bonus of deterring pests that want to eat your carrots before you do.

6. Grow Your Own Mushrooms

Five Gallon Ideas presents a brilliant way to grow your own Oyster mushrooms with a five gallon bucket full of coffee grounds.

You’ll need a lot of coffee grounds for this project so you’ll probably want to pick some up from your local coffee shop.

Here are some more brilliant ways to recycle old coffee grounds in your garden.

How To Use Old Coffee Grounds Around the House:

7. Absorb Food Odors

Used coffee grounds can be used much like baking soda for absorbing food odors in the refrigerator and freezer. 

Just load up a small open container with your old grounds, place it in the back of the fridge, then forget about it for a couple of weeks while you collect more grounds. 

As an added bonus, after you remove smelly old grounds from the refrigerator or freezer, you can then toss them on the compost pile or use them for fertilizer as described above.

8. Natural Abrasive

Sprinkle old coffee grounds onto an old cleaning cloth and use them to scrub away stuck-on food from counters or dishes. 

While used grounds are abrasive, they aren’t so harsh that they will damage the surfaces in your kitchen. Just be sure not to accidentally scrub grounds into cracks where they might leave behind stains!

9. Beautiful Golden Dye

If you’ve ever spilled coffee on a white shirt, you know the “Beautiful Golden” color to which I am referring. 

Turn that pesky coffee stain around and use it to your advantage. Re-wet old coffee grounds and use it to dye everything from feathers and cloth to Easter eggs. 

Used coffee grounds soaked in a bit of water can also be used to turn boring white paper into ‘antique’ parchment. Here’s the How-To. This faux parchment can then be used for all kinds of arts and crafts including some very interesting and beautiful gifts!

10. Homemade Coffee Candles

If you love the smell of coffee, why not turn your old grounds into all-natural homemade candles? 

For this fun up-cycling project you will need a small paper coffee cup, a paper towel, about a cup of wax candle ends, a wick, scissors, a small sauce pan for melting the wax, a small glass mixing bowl, and of course some used coffee grounds.  (Check out this link for the How-To.)

11. Clean Out the Fireplace

No, used coffee grounds won’t do all of the work for you. However, they will make the process of cleaning out your fireplace much easier and less messy. 

Gently scatter old used coffee grounds over the ashes to weight them down and prevent the huge clouds of smoke that often arise when performing this arduous task. 

Not only will shovelling the ashes be easier than ever before, you also won’t have to wipe down every horizontal surface in the room when you’re done.

How To Use Old Coffee Grounds For Health & Beauty:

12. Exfoliate Skin

Coffee grounds make an excellent exfoliating body scrub. Just add used grounds to a bit of warm water or your favorite all natural oil – such as coconut or sweet almond. Then scrub your skin from head to foot to remove all of those dead skin cells.

13. Rejuvenating Facial

Just as it works as a body scrub, coffee makes an excellent facial. 

Mix two tablespoons of used coffee grounds with an equal amount of organic cocoa powder. Add three tablespoons of whole milk or heavy cream and top it off with a heaping tablespoon of honey for the perfect all-natural alpha-hydroxy and antioxidant facial.

14. Puffy Eye Reducer

Caffeine, when applied to the skin, is anti-inflammatory which helps to reduce swelling. This makes coffee an effective puffy eye reducer.

Simply mix some used coffee grounds with a teaspoon of coconut oil and a few drops of water and carefully rub below your eye – making sure not to get any in your eyes. Allow to sit for five minutes and then rub away with a soft damp cloth.

Alternatively, try this Homemade Coffee Under Eye Cream recipe.

15. Cellulite Treatment

Poor diet, frequent or extended periods of sitting, smoking, or genetic predisposition – cellulite has many causes and for every cause there are at least a dozen “cures” which may or may not actually work.  Well, here’s one that does: used coffee grounds.

There are hundreds of recipes online for cellulite-reducing coffee scrubs. However, a simple mix of used coffee grounds and warm water will also do the trick. Use this scrub for ten minutes twice per week on any areas affected by cellulite. 

A 2008 study in Sao Paulo found that topical application of caffeine reduced cellulite fat cells by 17%.

16. Caffeinated Soap

Caffeine, when absorbed through the skin, acts as an anti-inflammatory to reduce puffy eyes, it stimulates blood flow which can aid in the production of collagen and it can draw water out of fatty cells, reducing the appearance of cellulite.

The multitude of caffeinated soaps available around the internet are testament to how well it works. 

For an all-natural alternative, why not turn your old coffee grounds into homemade soap so you can get one more good caffeine kick in the morning before work? Here’s the recipe.

17. Coffee for Your Hair

If you use a lot of hair styling products, or if you’ve recently switched to a natural shampoo and conditioner, your hair is probably weighted down by residue. Remove that build-up using old coffee grounds to give your hair a lift and restore its natural healthy shine. 

Before you shampoo, simply grab a handful of used grounds and massage them into your hair. The coarse texture is enough to break apart the product residue, but it’s also gentle enough that it won’t damage your locks.

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Read Next: 7 Reasons To Rub Coffee Grounds On Your Skin & Hair

The post 17 Genius Ways To Recycle Used Coffee Grounds appeared first on Natural Living Ideas.

No matter how organized you are, no matter how far in advance you plan your holiday gift giving, you’ll always forget someone or something. Or maybe a parcel has got lost in the mail and you need to come up with a last minute gift in supersonic time.

This post is here to help you.

Below we round up some of the best tutorials published on Natural Living Ideas over the past few years. Most products take just minutes to make, require ingredients and materials many of us have in our homes anyway and all include step by step photo instructions with a short video tutorial too.

Enjoy!

1. Scented Wax Melts

A great gift for anyone who loves the aroma of scented candles. Pair with a wax burner for a brilliant gift.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeF-8lp0Vx8&t=19s

Watch the video above and get the full ingredient list and tutorial here.

2. Rosemary & Sage Smudge Sticks

Smudging is rapidly gaining popularity and for good reason. Using a few materials you may have growing in your garden anyway, these smudge sticks make the perfect gift.

Pair with an Abalone Shell for a thoughtful gift.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUulRv8sKdc&t=6s

Watch the video above and get the full ingredient list and tutorial here.

3. Moisturizing Beard Oil

For the man in your life, this beard oil moisturizes, softens and encourages growth. Pair with a Beard Comb Kit for a next level gift.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOBzV4Xh-0w

Watch the video above and get the full ingredient list and tutorial here.

4. Essential Oil Gel Air Fresheners

You can customize these gel air fresheners with any fragrance you want – so you can really personalize your gift to the recipient.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtVaute3hG4&t=1s

Watch the video above and get the full ingredient list and tutorial here.

5. Sore Muscle Bath Soak

A great gift for an athlete or overworked mom, this muscle bath soak eases sore muscles using herbs you may be growing in your garden.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5FBlDh3A4w

Watch the video above and get the full ingredient list and tutorial here.

6. Citronella Candles

The perfect gift for anyone who loves outdoor entertaining, these citronella candles help to keep mosquitoes away.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoFJZQnUZ7w&t=19s

Watch the video above and get the full ingredient list and tutorial here.

7. Essential Oil Stick For Headaches

Got a friend who often suffers with tension headaches? This essential oil roll on is the answer to their problems and they’ll love you for giving it to them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDZFIRp8bd0

Watch the video above and get the full ingredient list and tutorial here.

8. Magnesium Oil

Magnesium oil might not sound very exciting, but when you realise how much of an impact magnesium oil has on your health, your friends will be desperate to try it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiWEZ5091kQ

Watch the video above and get the full ingredient list and tutorial here.

9. Coffee Under Eye Cream

For the friend who loves expensive beauty products, this is a brilliant homemade gift. The caffeine in this recipe helps to reduce puffy eyes and dark circles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B32OHEjKNI4

Watch the video above and get the full ingredient list and tutorial here.

10. Soothing Oatmeal & Lavender Bath Melts

These bath melts help to take your relaxing bath to the next level.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF0b5rJlWkc

Watch the video above and get the full ingredient list and tutorial here.

Read Next: 12 Eco-Friendly Gifts That Everyone Will Love & That Save The Planet

The post 10 Last Minute Gifts You Can Make In No Time At All appeared first on Natural Living Ideas.

Here is a staggering truth that we all need to embrace. Plastic is accumulating in our oceans at an alarming rate. In fact, at the rate things are going, plastic in the oceans is predicted to outweigh all the fish in the sea by 2050. What a sad and very disappointing statistic that is.

The fish are not the only ones in trouble, pollution has a direct impact on all sorts of marine life including sea turtles, sea birds, seals, and other marine animals. Thousands of these creatures are killed each year after eating plastic or becoming entangled in it. Wildlife that is already endangered such as Hawaiian monk seals and Pacific loggerhead sea turtles are just a couple of the almost 700 species that are injured or killed by plastic litter.

The Center for Biological Diversity has set a petition before the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate plastic pollution and set up processes to keep it from even reaching the ocean.

Plastics, Plastics Everywhere

We throw so much plastic away – our landfills are overflowing, our rivers, lakes, and oceans are overflowing with single-use plastic packaging that we throw away. We live in a plastic world, even our clothing sheds microplastic fibers in the wash.

According to the Center for Biological Diversity, more plastic was made in the first decade of this century than was made in all history up until the year 2000. Each year billions of pounds of this plastic end up in our earth’s oceans.

Plastic does not decompose

Sadly all that plastic that is overflowing landfills and spilling into our oceans does not ever decompose. We are drowning in a sea of plastic. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that “every bit of plastic ever made still exists.” All of the oceans of the world have a plastic pollution problem. There is not one place where a single square mile of ocean has not been corrupted by plastic. Studies estimate that there are between 15 and 51 trillion pieces of plastic in the oceans on the earth. The area known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch between Hawaii and California is now twice the size of Texas and is comprised of 1.8 trillion pieces of trash and weighs 88,000 tons, the same weight as about 3 jumbo airliners.

Things are not getting any better

The plastic pollution problem shows little signs of slowing down, despite well-meaning efforts from environmental groups. In the next decade, there are plans to increase plastic production by 40%. Petrochemical plants are being built all across America that will turn fracked glass into plastic. This, in turn, results in more air pollution and plastic in our waters This is truly a global plastic crisis.

The real victims

The real victims of this crisis  is the marine life that calls the oceans on this earth home. Our poor stewardship results in devastating tragedy. Here are just a few facts to bring the point home:

• A study conducted recently found that a quarter of fish sold at markets in California contained plastic.
• Fish in the North Pacific ingest 12,000 to 24,000 tons of plastic each year. This can cause internal damage or death and the plastic goes up the food chain to bigger fish to marine mammals to humans who eat seafood.
• Sea turtles that mistake plastic for food can choke and die.
• Seabirds ingest plastic which can cause starvation. It is estimated that 60% of seabird species have eaten plastic and this is expected to increase to 99% by 2050.
• Larger marine mammals not only get tangled up in plastic and get hurt or die but their habitats are being threatened by piles of trash.
• Plastic debris, mostly packing bands, has caused injury and mortality to the endangered Steller sea lion.
• Plastic has been found in the bellies of dead whales.

What can be done?

You may not think that you are part of the plastic problem but virtually anyone who buys anything wrapped in plastic and single-use plastic items along with most non-organic clothing is contributing to the problem. Here are a few things you can do to become part of the solution.

• Reduce your use of single-use plastics – Things like plastic bags, plastic water bottles, straws, grocery bags, take out containers etc. Here are 30 easy swaps to help you go zero waste and here are 7 eco-friendly alternatives to plastic wrap.
• Recycle –  Sadly, only 9% of all plastic is recycled. If you want to do your part, be sure that you are recycling plastic. This keeps it out of the ocean and landfills and drastically reduces that amount of new plastic that is put into circulation. To find places near you to recycle plastic go to Earth911’s recycling directory. Check with your local recycling center to see what types of plastic they will take.
• Help clean up – Get involved in a local group or organization and help clean up waterways and beaches. Not only do you get to spend time with like-minded people but you can also do a whole lot of good for the earth and ocean life as well as generations to come.
• Get on board with bans – If you live in an area that has bans on single-use plastic containers, shopping bags, plastic bottles etc., it’s time to get on board. Here is a list of legislative bodies that are considering limited use on plastic bags.
• Stop using products with microbeads – Small particles called “microbeads” are piling up in the ocean. These particles are found in toothpaste and body wash and get into the oceans and waterways via sewer systems.  You can avoid microbeads by looking for the words ‘polythelene” and “polypropylene” on the labels. You can find a list of products containing microbeads here.

• Tell others –  Share the news about what is happening to the oceans of the earth. The more people that become informed the better chance of things changing. Watch and share documentaries about the problem including, Addicted to Plastic and Bag It.

• Support environmental organizations making a difference –  A number of not for profit groups are digging in and making a difference in the global plastic epidemic. Some groups doing great things include Plastic Pollution Coalition, Algalita, Plastic Soup Foundation, and Oceanic Society. Even contributing just a little each month can help these and other similar organizations continue to do their good work.

10 Really Cool Products Made From Recycled Plastic

Perhaps one of the easiest things we could all do – to do our part, is to purchase products made from recycled plastic. Keep in mind that the mightiest vote is often the dollar. Here are some neat products that embrace the recycled movement.

Preserve 8-Piece Food Storage Set, Made from Recycled Plastic: This modern food storage set is made from 100% recycled, BPA-free plastic. This food storage set is dishwasher safe and 100% made in America. This is a practical and forward-thinking way to help save the oceans and marine life.

Blue Q Pretty Bird Shoulder Tote: Use this pretty tote to carry library books or take shopping with you. Made from 95% recycled material, this bag comes in a number of different whimsical patterns and is waterproof with a zipper. Do the environment a favor and look stylish while doing it!

Green Toys Twist Teether Toy: This teether toy, made from 100% food-safe recycled plastic milk containers, is the perfect baby shower gift. Help save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while protecting our oceans.

Fab Habitat, Indoor/Outdoor Floor Mat/Rug: This fun indoor/outdoor environmentally friendly mat is made from P.E.T, a polyester fiber that is made from plastic soda bottles. This funky rug comes in a variety of colors, is super easy to take care of and adds interest to any space.

EcoSmart PolyFlax Cutting Board, Red: Go eco-friendly in your kitchen with this cutting board made from recycled plastic and flax husk. Just one cutting board keeps 20 plastic bottles from flooding our landfills and oceans.

Norton Point Recycled Ocean Plastic Polarized Sunglasses – The frame of these stylish sunglasses is made from recycled ocean plastic so you are having a direct impact on extracting plastic from our oceans. On top of that, 5% of profits are reinvested into global ocean clean up efforts.

PuraKai Men Beer Bottle Project Beanie: You would never guess that this stylish beanie is also eco-friendly. The polyester in this hat is made from recycled brown plastic beer bottles and recycled cotton. Helping clean up the earth has never looked better.

Preserve Toothbrushes in Lightweight Pouch:  Everyone needs a toothbrush, right? The handle on this brush is made of 100% recycled #5 plastic. In addition, this USA made product uses no animal testing and was created by dental professionals.

Songbird Essentials Recycled Plastic Large Bird Hopper Feeder: Even the songbirds can get in on the act of saving the oceans with this attractive recycled feeder. This feeder holds 2.5 pounds of mixed seed and comes with durable hanging cable.

Backpack Men & Women – JOHNNY URBAN”Liam”: This entirely sustainable backpack is a perfect environmentally friendly way to carry your books while making a difference. Made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, this pack is durable, comfortable and available in a variety of colors.

Are you ready to make a difference and start saving our oceans?

The post 10 Really Cool Products You’ll Never Believe Are Made From Recycled Plastic appeared first on Natural Living Ideas.

Epsom salt is comprised of hydrated magnesium sulfate, a naturally occurring mineral first found in the well waters of Epsom, England.

Epsom salt has a variety of home remedy applications – the two most widely known being as a saline laxative and pain reliever.

What many people don’t realize is that Epsom salt also has several uses in organic gardening for healthy plants.

This article shares ten of the best ways to start using Epsom salt for the benefits of your plants and garden.

1. Improve Seed Germination

Using Epsom salt as a soil amendment before seeding will give your garden a powerful boost right from the start.

Magnesium aids in seed germination and helps to strengthen cell walls, leading to more and stronger seedlings.

For best results, incorporate 1 cup of Epsom salt per 100 square feet of tilled soil or mix 1 – 2 tablespoons into the soil at the bottom of each hole before dropping in seeds.

2. Increase Nutrient Absorption

Many commercial fertilizers add magnesium to help plant roots take up vital nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur.)

For those using all organic materials to feed their gardens, adding Epsom salt to soil will improve absorption naturally, eliminating the need for processed chemical fertilizers.

3. Counter Transplant Shock

We’ve all seen how our plants and seedlings wilt when we move them from a small pot to a larger one, from indoors to outside, or from greenhouse to ground.

Try feeding transplants with Epsom salt once they’re in their new environment to help injured roots overcome transplant shock.

Remember to add a layer of soil on top of salt sprinkled in holes so roots don’t come into direct contact with these concentrated minerals right away.

4. Green Up Foliage

Plants that aren’t getting enough magnesium can be identified by their yellowing leaves.

This is because magnesium is an essential component in the production of chlorophyll. Try sprinkling Epsom salt around your plants to achieve healthier foliage.

About 1 tablespoon per 12 inches of height once a month will benefit the plants in your vegetable garden, as well as any trees, shrubs, flowers and grasses you want to green up.

5. Prevent Leaf Curling

Leaf curling may also be caused by magnesium-deficiency in plants.

Again, add Epsom salt to the soil around the base of the sick plant.

Alternately, for faster absorption you can mix 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in a gallon of water and apply directly to the leaves.

6. Deter Garden Pests

While Epsom salt won’t dehydrate slugs and snails like table salt (sodium chloride), it can still be used to deter pests.

Hydrated magnesium sulfate crystals are sharp and when sprinkled around plants, they can scratch and irritate the bodies and feet of unwanted critters in much the same way as diatomaceous earth.

(Keep in mind that Epsom salt dissolves very easily in water, thus any amount of rain will likely wash them away.)

7. Grow Sweeter Fruit

The production of fruiting bodies is the most taxing process in the life cycle of a plant.

Apply Epsom salt to fruit and nut trees, bushes, and vines using the same methods and quantities stated above to boost chlorophyll levels inside the plant cells.

Increased energy means more sugar, allowing the plant to produce higher yields of sweeter, healthier fruit.

8. Tastier Tomatoes

Tomato vines are one of a handful of common garden residents whose fruit to plant size ratio is heavier than average, leading to an even higher likelihood of magnesium-deficiency.

For this reason, tomatoes should be fed Epsom salt twice as often as other plants.

Also, because tomato vines are prone to calcium-deficiency (blossom end rot), the majority of tomato fertilizers contain calcium which will compete with magnesium for root absorption.

Therefore, foliar feeding is the more efficient method for delivering magnesium to these plants.

Water tomato vines with dissolved Epsom salt – 2 tablespoons per gallon of water, every 2 weeks.

Read Next: 11 Secrets For The Tastiest, Most Bountiful Tomato Harvest

9. More Plentiful Peppers

Peppers are another popular garden plant with a higher-than average fruit to plant size ratio.

As such, they should also be fed magnesium every two weeks to achieve higher yields of larger fruits.

For hot peppers, over-watering can lead to fruit with less heat, thus the soil amendment method may be preferable in this case.

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt for every foot of height around the drip line of your pepper plants once per week.

10. Beautiful, Bountiful Roses

Ever wonder why your neighbors’ rose bushes are fuller than yours and sport so many more blossoms?

It is highly likely that the answer is Epsom salt.

Not only does it help roses to produce larger blossoms in greater numbers, many successful rosarians will agree that magnesium also aids in the growth of new canes from the base of the plant.

And of course, Epsom salt increases chlorophyll production meaning darker leaves.

For maximum benefit, roses should at the least be fed with Epsom salt at time of planting, then again at the first sign of new growth, and once more when the flowers are in full bloom.

Bare root roses may also be soaked in water containing dissolved Epsom salt before planting.

Read Next: How To Grow The Most Beautiful Roses

It is almost impossible to use too much Epsom salt in your garden. Magnesium sulfate is pH neutral, so it won’t harm your soil.

The crystals break down into water, magnesium, and sulfur – three components which are beneficial in some way to most plants.

Epsom salt is safe, easy to apply, and works fast to correct a variety of problems and increase the overall health of your garden.

As if that weren’t enough, Epsom salt is also inexpensive making it one of the most perfect tools for the health-conscious, responsible gardener.

Want to try Epsom salt for yourself? You can buy a 3lb container of White Mountain Epsom Salt from this page on Amazon.

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Read Next: 20 Ways To Use Epsom Salt For Health, Beauty & In The Home

The post 10 Incredible Epsom Salt Uses For Your Plants & Garden appeared first on Natural Living Ideas.

Coconut oil is rapidly growing in popularity for a wide variety of uses and benefits. For everything from cooking to moisturizing skin, this miracle oil tops the list of natural alternatives to improve your health and well-being.

Whether you decide to start eating coconut oil, swishing it around your mouth or topically applying it to your hair and skin, coconut oil is something you need in your home. One of the greatest applications of coconut oil is for your hair, whether it be to intensely moisturize and condition, to stimulate faster growth, detangle, defeat dandruff and more.

Here are six reasons you should start putting coconut oil in your hair.

1. Coconut Oil For Deep Conditioning

Because it is comprised mainly of smaller medium-chain fatty acids, the oil of the coconut penetrates hair more deeply and faster than other conditioners. 

To use coconut oil as a leave-in treatment to repair split ends, moisturize your scalp, and add a healthy glow to your tresses; just follow these easy steps:

– First make sure you have at least an hour or two for this treatment.  (The longer you leave coconut oil on your hair, the more effective it will be!)

– Wash your hair and let it air dry while you prepare the next steps.

– Gather your materials: a comb or hair pick, shower cap or small towel to wrap your hair in, two small bowls of different sizes (one should fit inside the other), and of course your jar of organic virgin coconut oil.

– Scoop a small amount of coconut oil into the smaller of the two bowls.

– Set the smaller bowl in the bottom of the larger one.

– Fill the larger bowl with hot water so the smaller bowl is partially submerged, but not floating or taking on water.

– Once your coconut oil comes to temperature and is completely melted, use your fingers to gently massage the oil into your hair, then work through with a comb or hair pick.

– After you’ve finished applying the oil, wrap your hair up in a shower cap or small towel and allow it to soak in for thirty minutes or longer.

– Shampoo to remove oil.

– Optionally, you may reapply a small amount of coconut oil to the ends of your hair and / or work a small amount through all of your hair again – just enough to give it a healthy shine.

– Then style as usual.

Alternatively, try this brilliant coconut oil deep conditioning hair mask recipe which also includes honey (a humectant that draws moisture from the air) and apple cider vinegar which clears away residue, detangles and repairs split ends amongst other things. 

2. Coconut Oil As a Daily Detangler

If you have long or curly hair, dealing with tangles may be a daily battle for you.  Coconut oil can help here, too! 

Also, because it’s 100% natural, organic virgin coconut oil won’t leave any residue or long-term damage to your tresses!  Before brushing or styling your hair, just follow these few steps to use coconut oil as a detangler:

– Gather your hair brush, a comb or hair pick, two small bowls of different sizes (one should fit inside the other), and your jar of organic virgin coconut oil.

– Scoop a small amount of coconut oil into the smaller of the two bowls and set the smaller bowl in the bottom of the larger one.

– Fill the larger bowl with hot water so the smaller bowl is partially submerged, but not floating or taking on water.

– Let your coconut oil come to temperature so it is completely melted.

– Use your fingers to gently massage the oil into the ends of your hair, then – starting from the ends and working your way toward the roots – gently work out tangles with a comb or hair pick.

– Let the oil soak in, then brush and style as usual.  No need to rinse or shampoo.  Coconut oil will continue to nourish your hair all day long!

(Further reading: Top 10 Home Remedies For Thinning Hair)

3. Coconut Oil To Defeat Dandruff

If long-time use of chemical shampoos, conditioners, styling products, or colorants has left you with itchy, flaky, dandruff – you can use coconut oil to heal your scalp.  Just follow these easy steps daily and watch your dandruff problems disappear:

– At the end of the day or shortly before bedtime, wash your hair with an all natural shampoo and condition as usual.

– Gather the following supplies: a comb or hair pick, two small bowls of different sizes (one should fit inside the other), a towel or cloth to cover your head overnight, and your jar of organic virgin coconut oil.

– Scoop a small portion of coconut oil into the smaller of the two bowls then place it into the bottom of the larger bowl.

– Fill the larger bowl with hot water so the smaller bowl is partially submerged, but not floating or taking on water.

– While you wait for your coconut oil to come to temperature, use your comb or hair pick to remove any tangles.

– Once the coconut oil is completely melted, use your fingers to gently massage the oil into your scalp.  (If you have long hair, it may be easier to flip your head upside-down in order to apply oil to your entire scalp.)

– Wrap your head with the towel or cloth and leave coconut oil on your scalp overnight for best results.

The following morning, you may wish to use an epsom salt treatment to remove excess shed skin cells from your scalp.

4. Coconut Oil As a Base for Hair Coloring

Coconut oil makes an excellent medium for mixing your all-natural hair coloring.  Because coconut oil penetrates hair more deeply and faster than many other natural oils, it can help your color to be more vibrant and keep it from fading too quickly.

– Gather your materials: a shower cap or small towel, a comb or hair pick, coloring herbs, gloves, two bowls of different sizes (one should fit inside the other), a container for mixing color, and your jar of organic virgin coconut oil.

– Scoop a few spoonfuls of coconut oil (enough to liberally coat your hair) into the smaller of the two bowls and set it into the bottom of the larger bowl.

– Fill the larger bowl with hot water so the smaller bowl is partially submerged, but not floating or taking on water.

– Let your coconut oil come to temperature so it is completely melted.

– Mix coconut oil with your coloring herbs and apply as you normally would.

– Once color has set, shampoo hair with lukewarm water to remove excess oil and colorant.

– Wrap your hair with a shower cap or towel to let color continue to set overnight.

(Further reading: 12 Home Remedies To Combat Grey Hair)

5. Coconut Oil For Faster Hair Growth

Use coconut oil as a natural way to help your hair grow longer, thicker, and faster.  The vitamins and essential fatty acids naturally found in coconut oil nourish the scalp and help to remove sebum build-up from hair follicles. 

Use as a daily treatment by following these simple steps:

– At the end of the day or shortly before bedtime, wash your hair with an all natural shampoo and condition as usual.

– Gather your materials: a comb or hair pick, shower cap or small towel to wrap your hair in, two small bowls of different sizes (one should fit inside the other), and of course your jar of organic virgin coconut oil.

– Scoop a small amount of coconut oil into the smaller of the two bowls.

– Set the smaller bowl in the bottom of the larger one.

– Fill the larger bowl with hot water so the smaller bowl is partially submerged, but not floating or taking on water.

– While you wait for your coconut oil to come to temperature, use your comb or hair pick to remove any tangles.

– Once the coconut oil is completely melted, use your fingers to gently massage the oil into your scalp.  (If you have long hair, it may be easier to flip your head upside-down in order to apply oil to your entire scalp.)

– Wrap your head with the towel or cloth and leave coconut oil on your scalp overnight for best results.

6. Coconut Oil To Protect Hair From Sun Damage

Coconut oil makes an excellent all natural sunscreen.  In the morning – especially on a day when you know that your hair will be exposed to the elements more than usual – apply coconut oil to protect your hair by following these simple steps:

– Gather your hair brush, a comb or hair pick, two small bowls of different sizes (one should fit inside the other), and your jar of organic virgin coconut oil.

– Scoop a small amount of coconut oil into the smaller of the two bowls and set the smaller bowl in the bottom of the larger one.

– Fill the larger bowl with hot water so the smaller bowl is partially submerged, but not floating or taking on water.

– Let your coconut oil come to temperature so it is completely melted.

– Use your fingers to gently massage the oil into your hair then brush and style as usual.

3 More Cool Coconut Oil Uses For Hair

Healthier Eyelashes – Fill a roller bottle with fractionated coconut oil (coconut oil that remains in liquid form) and apply to your eyelashes at bedtime after having removed your makeup. If it is too oily, use a clean cloth to blot away any excess. 

Do this treatment 3 times a week for extra lubrication and nourishment.

Fuller Eyebrows – Apply a few drops of melted coconut oil to your eyebrows with a clean fingertip to soften and thicken your eyebrows.

Shaving – While all of the above methods discuss using coconut oil to improve the condition of your hair, it can also work as a great alternative to shaving cream to remove hair from your body.

For shaving legs, simply apply a tablespoon of coconut oil to each leg and shave as usual. It might be wise to wash your hands after applying to prevent the razor from slipping out of your hand.

How To Buy The Best Coconut Oil

When purchasing coconut oil, it’s important to opt for cold-pressed, unrefined, virgin coconut oil that has been ethically sourced, and is preferably stored in a glass jar.

This jar of Spring Of Life Extra Virgin Coconut Oil meets all of the criteria above and is also one of the best reviewed on Amazon, as well as being one of the more affordable bottles.

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Read Next: Babassu Oil: 17 Reasons Why This “New” Oil May Just Be Better Than Coconut Oil

The post 6 Clever Ways To Use Coconut Oil For Gorgeous Hair appeared first on Natural Living Ideas.

If you’d like to skip the crowds this year and simply “point and click” your way around your Holiday shopping – then we’ve got you covered.

In this article we present twenty-four of the most exciting gifts that EVERYONE will love to receive this year. Many of the items we use ourselves, others we’ve gifted to friends and family, and some we’ve added to our own wishlist.

1. Himalayan salt lamp. This has got to be the “Product of the Year”. It has exploded in popularity and for good reason. It’s beautiful and has some remarkable health benefits. You can get a standard one like this, or for a more funky design (such as a dolphin, penguin or elephant, take a look here.)

2. Himalayan salt candle holders. With all the same benefits, all the same beauty, but on a smaller scale.

3. Himalayan salt block. Maybe cooking your food on a big block of sunset hued crystal is new to you, but once you give it a go you’ll love it!

4. Himalayan bath salts. The best way to unwind after a long day is with a Himalayan salt bath making these salts an excellent gift.

5. An essential oil gift set. Essential oils are a great gift. You can buy a big set such as this 32 Bottle Edens Garden Essential Oil Set and gift a few bottles to a number of friends and family. Plus you get to keep some for yourself. Alternatively, this smaller Plant Therapy Top 6 Set would be appreciated by any aspiring aromatherapist.

6. An essential oil diffuser. Even those who have never heard of essential oils LOVE a diffuser once you show them how it works and what it does. Pair with a few starter bottles of essential oils to make it a really special gift. Read our reviews of five of the most popular EO diffusers to make sure you pick the right one.

7. An essential oil necklace. A great way to bring the benefits of essential oils with you – and pretty, too!

8. An essential oil bracelet. Every time you’d like a whiff of your chosen scent, simply bring your wrist up to your nose.

9. An essential oil car diffuser. Bring the joys of essential oils to your car to invigorate your journey.

10. A 100% pure and raw beeswax candle. Paraffin candles are toxic, beeswax candles burn clean and pure without polluting your living space.

11. A natural soy candle set.

12. A candle making set. For the crafty person this is a great gift idea.

13. Recycled glass tumblers. These beautiful glass tumblers have been made from recycled wine bottles. A great green gift idea!

14. Organic kombucha starter kit. Kombucha is a highly popular health drink that is great fun to make at home. Get started with this brilliant starter kit.

15. A click and grow indoor smart herb garden. Even the worst gardener can’t kill these herbs!

16. A konjac sponge. These things are just amazing!

17. A Dead Sea mud soap bar. Bringing all the benefits of the Dead Sea to a bar of soap.

18. A Matcha tea gift set. We all know how incredible Matcha tea is for us so this complete gift set would be loved by everyone.

19. Some mushroom coffee. A coffee blend that tastes just like coffee, but with the added benefits of medicinal mushrooms. What’s not to love?

20. A scalp massager. Because running one of these through your head is just the best feeling in the world.

21. A wake up light. This gently wakes you from your slumber leaving you feeling more relaxed and rested for the day ahead. It has incredible reviews from almost everyone who has tried it.

22. A “happy” light. This happy light mimicks the effect of the sun helping to banish the winter blues and easing away seasonal affective disorder.

23. An aromatherapy massage ball. Infused with essential oils, massages these balls over joint pain, headaches and backache to relieve pain and anxiety.

24. A set of pencils that can be planted and grown into herbs once they have served their purpose. Because who doesn’t need that?

The great thing about this list? It’s numbered. That means you can email it, text it, WhatsApp it, Facebook it to your friends and family and simply hint at the numbers you’d like 🙂

The post 24 Natural & Eco-Friendly Gifts That EVERYONE Will Love appeared first on Natural Living Ideas.

The health benefits of Himalayan salt lamps are the primary reason most people choose to own one (or more!). Salt lamps help to purify and cleanse the air, they reduce allergy and asthma symptoms, increase energy and enhance sleep, while also treating seasonal affective disorder and reducing static electricity. We’ve dedicated an entire article praising the health benefits of salt lamps here.

But, Himalayan salt lamps are also very beautiful! They are an attractive addition to any room of the house working as an eco-friendly source of light.

This standard WBM Himalayan Salt Lamp sits beautifully in the corner of my living room, but as the popularity of salt lamps grow, more exciting and innovative designs enter the market. In this article, we reveal some of the coolest, most beautiful and some downright weird Himalayan salt lamps you can put around your home.

So if the standard Himalayan salt lamp just doesn’t do it for you, or if you are looking for an exciting housewarming, birthday or Christmas gift, then here are some ideas for you…

1. This Cubed Himalayan Salt Lamp…

Available from this page on Amazon.

2. This perfectly spherical Globe Himalayan Salt Lamp…

Available from this page on Amazon.

3. This Pyramid Himalayan Salt Lamp…

Available from this page on Amazon.

4. This Pillar Himalayan Salt Lamp…

Available here on Amazon.

5. This Obelisk Himalayan Salt Lamp…

Available from this page on Amazon.

6. This bizarre, but beautiful dolphin shaped Himalayan Salt Lamp…

Available from this page on Amazon.

7. This Swan shaped Himalayan Salt Lamp…

Available from this page on Amazon.

8. This adorable elephant shaped Himalayan salt lamp…

Available from this page on Amazon.

9. This penguin shaped Himalayan salt lamp…

Available to buy from this page on Amazon.

10. This Christmas tree shaped Himalayan salt lamp…

Available from this page on Amazon.

11. This heart shaped Himalayan salt lamp…

Available to buy from this page on Amazon.

12. This Fantasia salt lamp that combines the glow of the lamp with the warmth of candles…

Available from this page on Amazon.

13. This ABSOLUTELY GIANT Everest Himalayan salt lamp measuring 15-18″ tall…

Available from this page on Amazon.

14. And finally, this ultra-portable plug-in mini Himalayan salt lamp so you can take the health benefits with you everywhere you go…

Available from this page on Amazon.

Or if these designs are a bit eccentric for you and your home, then this standard WBM Himalayan Salt Lamp available in a number of different sizes is widely regarded as the best available to buy.

Not convinced you need a salt lamp? Then you better read this article!

The post 14 Weirdest, Coolest & Most Unique Himalayan Salt Lamps You Can Buy Right Now appeared first on Natural Living Ideas.