Au Natural

...not like that! Get your mind out of the gutters! :)

Lately I've been contemplating using natural ways of cleaning the house. We started using a Shark steam mop instead of Swiffer products last fall, and I have to say that it's been so refreshing not to have to lock the cat away just to clean the floors. I shouldn't have to worry about poisoning my animal just by cleaning the floor!

So the next step for us was to start using a natural all-purpose cleaner. We have been using the Clorox 'Green Works' for some time, but it didn't really do a great job of cleaning up tough messes (grease, etc.).
I found some information about natural cleaners on one of my favorite blogs, Young House Love . I love the idea of using vinegar instead of a chemical-ridden cleaner. Not only is vinegar super cheap, but it's an odor neutralizer too. I was skeptical about it's cleaning powers, but I decided to give it a shot.

I dumped out the little bit of Green Works that I had left, and mixed the following vinegar cleaner:
- 1 part vinegar
- 5 parts water
- 10 drops lavender essential oil

I got to work, and to my pleasant surprise this stuff is a miracle! There is a stain that was on our kitchen counter from the previous tenants. I have tried everything (basic cleaner, bleach, baking soda and water) and nothing would remove the stain. Vinegar mixture - no problem...it was up after 10 seconds of letting the mixture sit on the stain. So after this affirmation, I cleaned the whole kitchen with this stuff. Greasy stove, dirty white cabinets, dusty/greasy top of refrigerator...ALL CLEAN! Not only was everything clean, but they were odor free and my kitchen now has a lavender scent.

The ONLY downside of using vinegar so far is that it doesn't dry as fast as a chemical cleaner does. But, it dries streak free, so I'm not too worried about it.

Needless to say I am very happy with vinegar as a natural cleaning agent. My next step is trying out an all natural soap like Mrs. Meyers Lavender soap. I've heard it's a miracle worker as well.

XO,

Kelsey

Pardon my absence...

I was giving my cousin some advice last night on what she should know about having a blog. My first response was to keep up on it, because it can take the backseat really easily. I realized I miss my blog, and will do what I can to keep it up!

So, here is the latest and greatest!

Drumroll please.....

My hubby got a job!!!! He's officially an Auxiliary Officer at the University of Oregon. Starting next week, he'll be back to the grind protecting and serving :) I'm so proud of you honey! Unfortunately the job is an hour away, so he's going to be commuting for now. We're looking into moving to Eugene but love it here in Corvallis, so we're torn.

We recently started attending a local church, as we missed having that as a part of our lives. It's called Corvallis Church, and it's a lively, young and community-based church. It's exactly what we were looking for in a place of worship, and we're happy! Another reason why we don't want to leave Corvallis.

As for me, work has kept me very busy. This has been my best quarter yet! People are starting to travel again, slowly but surely. Hopefully it keeps up through the summer and into the fall.

Not much else is new, but I will try and post things weekly to keep everyone in the loop!

Xo,

Kelsey