Days 8-14

I'm getting so excited about this. I'm amazed at how easy this really is. I wake up and think about what my plans are for the day and just make one simple change! You can totally do this with me!

Day 8- Library Trip! It's amazing how good it still feels to get a new library card! I couldn't help but smile as she handed it over! I've been meaning to get a bunch of new books, and of course some books on home improvements, and what better place than the library! Saves trees and money! Had an amazing trip returning to the library I got my first library card at!

Day 9- Self Pedicure. So I've been trying to cut back on waste in my life, but also on my spending...So one of the things I decided was to do my pedicures. Now, I was once you, and thought, well that's not relaxing to do it myself! IT IS! I get a big bucket, fill it with warm water and 1/2 C. Epsom Salt and soak my feet for about 15-20 minutes. Then I dry them off, and use my sugar scrub (super easy to make!) to exfoliate. I bought a pumice stone and nice cuticle/nail clippers which I use in this step, but totally optional. Then finally, rinse, lotion and paint. I went to whole foods and got a non-toxic nail polish, yes, a little spendy, BUT I saved a lot of money not getting a professional pedicure. So again, saved money, while removing toxins from my life!

Day 10- Why change a good thing?. While visiting with a girlfriend I was commenting on her beautiful new cabinets, she then informed me, "they aren't new, we just updated them ourselves!" They looked fantastic! Like her cupboards, ours are in perfect condition, just dated. So instead of wasting the wood and resources to get new cupboards, we've been looking into just painting and updating them. Once I had this idea in my head I've been walking around the house finding other ways to keep what's in place and update it. Again, sorry to keep harping on this point, BUT, saving the earth while saving money!

Day 11- 2nd Hand Dishes. My dear wonderful mother bought me a full set of 8 dishes. Well, now there are about 3 plates, 5 bowls, 4 small plates, you get the picture. Again, I've been looking and looking at Macy's etc. for a new set, when it dawned on me! Goodwill! Why waste more resources? I'm going for the eclectic look and just collecting a bunch of dishes with the same type style. It not only is fun for me, but it's a lot cheaper!

Day 12- Cleaning the vents. This is HUGE! This does not just apply to home owners! Cleaning your vents is good for your health, prevents fires and cuts down on your energy bill! Make sure and vacuum out vents, fans (in the bathroom) and intake areas. Also, be sure and change your filters!

Day 13- Toxic Box. Over Christmas we went through a few batteries, of course we have some empty paint cans, we have some cleaners that were left by the previous owners and a few other miscellaneous items, so I started a box in the garage. Once it's full I plan to take it to our recycling center where they will safely dispose of all of those items for me, FOR FREE!

Day 14- Heartburn. Yes, it's true, I've had heartburn for years, it's an unfortunate family gene. So I've been married to Pepcid, Tums and Prilosec for years. I of course ate terribly over the holidays so it has been really bad lately. Instead of loading up on MORE drugs, I decided to actually practice some naturalpathic remedies I'd found. I'm drinking about 2-3oz of Raw, Unfiltered, Apple Cider Vinegar in equal parts water each morning. You do it before you eat anything. Obviously this was my first day, but so far, no tums...If you're interested in how this turns out let me know I'll keep you posted!

Thanks for following, please feel free to e-mail me if you have more specific questions on anything, I'm trying not to bore you with the details!