DIY Cleaning Products - I'm not buying regular bleach again!!!!

Ok, so the title seems a little angry. That's because my family has tightened the purse strings in the pursuit of our goal to be totally debt free (including the house). I'm angry because I've been spending money on cleaning items that are outrageously overpriced. I already make my own laundry detergent (read my recipe here).

Ask anyone who knows me and they'll tell you I'm a clean freak. I like things to be neat and tidy AND as germ free as possible. After researching several blogs and recipes, I decided to switch bleach products. I'm sure you're asking, "What the heck can you substitute for bleach?". My answer, "Pool shock powder." Yup. I bought a case of powdered pool shock a year ago and we even haven't put a dent into our supply.

My recipe is to mix a tablespoon of pool shock with a gallon of water as I need it. Beware that the chlorine gas dissipates relatively quickly, taking the effectiveness with it so only mix what you'll use within a month or so. Wal-Mart sales a six pack of pool shock cleaner for $18.97. It sounds like a hefty investment but using a tablespoon at a time in a tightly closed container, it'll last forever. Try buying a smaller pack, around $4 and let me know what you think.

Please note, I don't use this bleach mix for laundering my white clothes. I was in really hot water and hang dry in the sun.

Anti-Viral Immune Boosting Tea - Part Two

I absolutely love anything 'garlicky'. So it is no surprised that I researched the health benefits of eating this wonderful allium (member of the onion family).

Although mainstream science doesn't support its antiviral/antibacterial benefits, I know firsthand that garlic has helped myself and my children get rid of some nasty colds. Garlic by itself is a good but pair it with honey (anti-viral and anti-bacterial) and lemon (antioxidant rich) and you've got a surprisingly tasty cold remedy. Try this tea when you feel yourself coming down with a 'bug'. 

• Boil 5 organic garlic coves in 3 cups of distilled water for 10 minutes.
• Reduce heat and let it steep for 20 minutes.
• Add 1 tablespoon of raw honey and 1 tablespoon of organic lemon juice. 
• Let the concoction cool to a comfortable temperature, drink and enjoy!

Anti-Viral Immune Boosting Tea

My daughter recently came down with a cold so I searched my cabinets for herbs that have proven antiviral properties. I'm not a fan of commercial products currently on the shelves because they treat the symptoms but don't go to the root of the problem: a virus has overtaken your body as a result of a compromised immune system. So what can you do to help your family without breaking the bank? Try this anti-viral/immune boosting tea.

1 tablespoon dried lavender (antiviral)
1 tablespoon dried rosemary (antiviral)
1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice (loaded full of vitamin C)
1 tablespoon of raw honey (antioxidant and antibacterial)
1 cup of water

Place one cup of water in a small pot. Bring to a boil. Add herbs and lemon juice to the boiling water and allow to steep for five minutes. Strain herbs out and pour tea into a mug. Stir in honey and enjoy. Drink this tea three times per day.

Remember to drink at least 8 cups of water every day.

DISCLAIMER: The medicinal information provided on TotalLifeProsperity.org is intended for research purposes only. It is not meant to be used without qualified medical supervision. Herbs have powerful effects on the body and can cause serious harm or even death if used incorrectly. You should consult your health care provider before using herbs on yourself or on anyone else.

Honey Aspirin Scrub Tutorial Video

It doesn't always take a lot of money to pamper yourself. Sometimes, household items, can do the job just fine. We've created a tutorial of how to make and use a honey aspirin scrub/mask that will make your skin feel soft and look radiant. Try it and give us your feedback!

Cleansing Cocktail Recipe

The Cleansing Cocktail is a fresh  vegetable juice that is full of vitamins and minerals. It will assist in cleaning out your liver, blood, and colon AND it tastes great! Drink this juice at least once a week and you'll definitely feel the benefits.

Note - The full affects of drinking vegetable and fruit juices does not come automatically. Obviously, you can not pile junk food on top of juices and expect to reap the benefits. Eat healthy and exercise regularly to get maximum results.

1/2 Beet
1 Carrot
1/2 Apple
1 tbsp Ginger

Juice all ingredients in a juicer and enjoy! If you only have a blender, chop all ingredients and add 1/2 cup of water to prevent it from being too think. Consume within 30 minutes of juicing for maximum nutrient absorption.

The Green Goodness Drink

Want a boost in energy the natural way? Are you feeling the beginnings of a cold? Or would you like to build your vitamin and mineral reserves? A green drink, which I fondly call The Green Goodness, may be the answer you need. Fresh vegetable juice is full of vitamins, chlorophyll, fiber, and minerals that can help you gain/retain energy, shorten the time of an illness, and detox your body. For maximum potency, consume this drink within 30 minutes of preparing it.

You will need:

• A juicer or high powered blender
• 1 cucumber
• 1 bunch of kale greens
• 4 carrots
• 1 bunch of cilantro
• 1 apple

Rinse produce thoroughly before beginning. If using a juicer, start by juicing all soft ingredients (IE. kale and cilantro). Then finish by juicing the rest of the produce one by one. If using a blender, slowly add all soft ingredients first. You may wish to add 1/4 cup of 100% pure apple juice to aid in the puree process. Chop the cucumber, carrots, and apple. Slowly add these ingredients. This recipe may make more juice than you intend to drink in one sitting. Freeze the rest until later or share with a loved one. Enjoy!

If you have some vegetable of fruit juice recipes to share, please email us at mytotallife@gmail.com.