good for me

Consider these options for maintaining a fresh and clean home, car, office space, and so forth.  We often overlook the fact that the exact items we use to make our home smell good, actually wreak of chemicals and toxins.  The two links below list several alternatives to freshening up your space.  Most of them are extremely simple, quick, and cheap!     http://greencleaning.about.com/od/DIYGreenCleaningRecipes/tp/Top-12-Green-Diy-Air-Fresheners.htm http://www.homemadehomeideas.com/21-diy-natural-air-fresheners/

I use black soap to cleanse my face daily.  Yes, daily!  This soap removes all the bad stuff, prevents pimples, acne, discoloration, and more. To ensure that I'm getting the good stuff, I get the soap made in Ghana.   This soap can be used for the entire body, but I personally use it to cleanse my face.   You may find it drying at first.  Be sure to follow up the facial cleanse with a natural serum, butter, or mist-: depending on the weather and skin type.  I use an oil/mist in hotter months, and thicker butters during cold months. View link below for the top benefits of black soap. http://multiculturalbeauty.about.com/od/Skincare/fl/8-Top-Skin-Care-Benefits-of-African-Black-Soap.htm I give credit to this oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, for thickening and lengthening my hair.   This is great for dry scalp, balding edges, thinning hair, and more.  It can also heal dry skin and rough patches.   I believe the darker the oil, the better.   I only use extra dark!!

  Okay,  the smell is a bit odd, but this powerful oil is considered to be the best kept beauty secret of ancient India.  Neem is a one-stop shop when it comes to treating infections (cold sores, foot and nail fungus, scalp, ring worms) to name a few.  The odd smell may may no longer be a factor once you understanding just how many ailments and issues this oil can address.     Here is a great link below from Stylecraze,  http://www.stylecraze.com/ .  The article discusses neem in depth, and mentions benefits and uses.  Also, take a look at the attached images below from Raw for Beauty, http://rawforbeauty.com/blog/    -listing additional benefits and uses for neem.      http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-neem-oil-for-skin-and-hair/    Raw for Beauty            Raw for Beauty

So, the kiwi originated in China, but is now grown in the US, in addition to a few select countries.  Here in America, the kiwi is pretty easy to find, and also reasonable in price.  Believe it or not, this sweet fruit is jammed pack with vitamin C - even more than that of an orange!  Also contains vitamin E, low in fat, and no cholesterol The two main claims floating around about the kiwi: 1. It's a natural energy booster! 2. It can effectively reduce asthma symptoms, and respiratory problems in general. It reduces heart problems and increases lung function. It has been suggested that a child suffering with asthma conditions can eat one to five kiwis weekly to reduce symptoms. I have personally embraced the kiwi because of the taste, plus it's a convenient snack.  But, now my love for the kiwi has been placed on a higher level.  Okay, that's a little extreme!  But seriously,  it's a fruit to consider trying, and if possible,  introducing into your daily die

   Is coffee really the best route to go for your daily morning routine?  Or perhaps a nice cup of tea during an afternoon rut?   I personally love to drink both, but have often questioned if one is better over the other, as far as pros and health benefits. Here are two links below from CBN and YouBeauty, that have done a true comparison.  Looks like a tie to me.  Check them out and see if you're willing to give up one, or the other. I just can't! -two of my favorite things!!!! http://www.cbn.com/health/nutrition/reinke_coffeetea.aspx http://www.youbeauty.com/nutrition/coffee-vs-tea-3

Mother Nature Network, http://www.mnn.com/ , shares info on plants of choice when it comes to cleaning the indoor air in your home: http://www.mnn.com/health/healthy-spaces/photos/15-houseplants-for-improving-indoor-air-quality/a-breath-of-fresh-air Here's a cool list of plants with the benefits broken out - may be helpful when choosing a plant appropriate for your home:

Tea tree oil is taken from the leaves of the tea tree.  This oil does wonders in healing the body, inside and out.  It can serves as an antiseptic for various bodily injuries, and can also cure several infections; vaginal, sore throat, and recurrent herpes to name a few.  I have placed a resourceful link below from Activist Post, http://www.activistpost.com/ , which lists 80 uses for this amazing oil!!!  http://www.activistpost.com/2013/05/the-miracle-of-tea-tree-oil-80-amazing.html#!bwCD1z

The first, and probably only ingredient to organizing life, from The Minimalists, http://www.theminimalists.com/ : http://www.theminimalists.com/junk/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theminimalists%2FHztx+%28The+Minimalists%29  

I use this fresh green herb in cleaning and beauty products.  It's packed with antioxidant properties that can relieve everything from a head cold to indigestion.  This green herb has a beautiful subtle fragrance that can be served in a beverage, mixed into a food dish, and of course brewed for an herbal tea.  For the home; try tossing a few leaves in the toilet, or creating a combo of other flowers and herbs for potpourri or bath sachets to add a zing of freshness to the bathroom.  This herb can also be mixed into a shampoo or conditioner, facial cleanser, or body spray.  Another option is to just toss a few sprigs into the bath water for an herbal body cleanse. Consider growing your own lemon balm in your outdoor (or indoor) garden), or purchase dry lemon balm from the store.  It's reasonably priced, so it will be well worth the little money with all of the uses you will find.  Check out the following link from DIY Natural, for additional lemon balm uses!! http