Our blueberry bushes our producing wonderfully this year. In fact, it's our biggest crop yet. I love to eat blueberries straight from the bush, when they burst with sweet goodness, warmed from the sun, there's nothing better. We freeze them to use in homemade pancakes, waffles, muffins, pies, and cakes all year long.
But I've now discovered even another use for these wonderful power house, anti-oxidant packed berries. Plus, I get to use some of our fresh herbs.
[Read more…]This homemade citrus cleaner is amazing. Plus, I love two for one deals, can I get an amen?
On my quest for to eradicate all processed foods from our home, I've started making my own lemonade. It's super easy, cheap, and delicious. But another side benefit is leftover lemon peels.
I've been making and using my own homemade cleaner for almost two years. I'll never go back to purchasing store bought window or multi-purpose cleaners again. Call me crazy, but the smell of vinegar isn't displeasing to me, but I know many people shy away from vinegar cleaners because of the smell.
But you can make your own citrus cleaner from vinegar. It has the added benefit of a pleasant smell, plus the boost of citrus oil for cleaning power.
After you've made your lemonade, save the lemon peels. I use Mason jars, they're one of my favorite products in the home from the kitchen to decorating, in fact, I have an entire board on Pinterest called Mason Jars Reused-Beyond Food Storage.
Quart sized Mason Jar
Citrus Peels
Vinegar
Fill the jar 3/4 full with your lemon peels. Pour white vinegar over the lemon peels. Let it set for a minute and then top off with more vinegar, so the lemon peels are completely submerged. Cover with a lid and band and set in a dark cupboard for two weeks. You might want to mark the top of the lid with the date in case you forget.
In two weeks, pour the vinegar through a strainer. Dilute with two parts water to one part lemon vinegar. Use on windows, counter tips, mirrors, and as a general multi-purpose cleaner. The vinegar smell will leave when it evaporates, leaving behind the lemon scent. You can use any citrus, orange or lime, or add some herbs for you own unique custom blend.
Making your own cleaning supplies is easy, frugal, and I've found they work better, for instance my 1 Ingredient 5 Minute Oven Cleaner worked when nothing else did.
What's your best home cleaning tip?
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