Environmentally Friendly Grill Cleaning

 

Having an outdoor kitchen in Arizona is about as important as having a swimming pool. It is a feature that can be enjoyed year round and is a great way to gather family and friends together for a meal. But most homeowners begin to lose interest in their grill when it's time for a good cleaning. Either they decide to stop using the grill as often or they decide to use a harsh chemical to try to avoid the effort involved in scrubbing the grill clean by hand. But now there is another option that is simple, does not require harsh chemical and is environmentally friendly.

The Only Items You Need Are Already In Your Kitchen

All you need to easily clean your grill grates are a few items that are already in your kitchen and cost almost nothing. First, you need a lemon and some table salt. Next, carefully slice the lemon in half, from end to end. It is important to cut the lemon from end to end so that you have a larger surface area.

Then, holding the lemon by the rind side, squeeze it gently so that it produces enough juice to moisten the entire cut surface. Next, sprinkle about a tablespoon of salt evenly over each half of the lemon and wait long enough for the juice to moisten the salt to help it adhere to the surface of the lemon. Finally, gently scrub the grilling surface with the salt covered lemon just as you would with a sponge.

The acidity of the lemon and the grit of the salt will break down any grease and loosen any partials which were cooked onto the grates. After scrubbing the entire grilling surface with the lemon, use a damp towel to wipe the grate clean and another towel to dry the grates.

A Tip For A Non-Stick Grilling Surface

To make grill clean-up even easier there is a simple and affordable trick to make the grates non-stick. Simply cut a regular potato in half and after the grill is fully heated, rub the cut side of the potato across the entire grilling surface. This will coat the grate and keep food from sticking. If you do not have a potato a halved onion or a halved lemon will work, but both of those items can leave a small amount of flavored residue on the grilling surface.

Try both of these tips to make grill clean up easier and safer for your grilling surface and the environment.

Q&A With Jean: What's the Biggest Myth About General Contractors?

Sweeten's Founder + CEO Answers Your Renovation Questions

Welcome to #16 in our series, designed to bring clarity to some of the mysteries of renovating! Whether you're a first-time homeowner or a serial renovator, each project brings with it a new set of circumstances and new questions, and Sweeten is here to be a source of knowledge and reassurance. 

Feel free to email me at JBrownhill@sweeten.com with any reno questions or dilemmas you'd like addressed.

QUESTION: What's the biggest myth about general contractors?

JEAN: I love this question! One of the biggest myths about general contractors is that they want projects to go on for a long time. We've heard homeowners say things like, "Oh, he's trying to stretch out the project. He wants it to, you know, go on forever." The truth is, general contractors want exactly the opposite. Each day they have workers on your project is another day that they have to incur labor costs. Their ideal project is one that starts and ends exactly on the schedule they laid out so they can take that crew and move them to another project. General contractors do not want your project to go on indefinitely. They want it to be done as quickly as possible-just like you do-and they want to do it well.

Looking for more advice from Jean? Be sure to check out the fifteenth installment in this series, Q&A with Jean: Why Should I Move Out During My Renovation?

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Refer your renovating friends to Sweeten and you'll both receive a $250 Visa gift card when they sign a contract with a Sweeten general contractor. 

Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project's location, budget, and scope, helping until project completion. Follow the blog for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you're ready to renovate, start your renovation on Sweeten.

The post Q&A With Jean: What's the Biggest Myth About General Contractors? appeared first on Sweeten Blog.

cosmopolitan

Did you learn how to cook anything new this year? Anna Hezel, senior editor at Taste (one of my favorite breakout food publications of the last couple years) asked this on Twitter last week and like a Muppet to the ABCs, I couldn't resist jumping in. I'm glad I did. I always wish I had more time to cook all the things I want to cook (my To Cook list is still thousands deep), wish I could share more recipes more often here, but this caused me to look back at the new recipes here in 2018 and feel a murmur of pride. Look at all we did! I learned to make falafel, and that it's shockingly easy! I got to make Pad Thai I crave the most at home. We got cacio e pepe just about foolproof at home, just when I was convinced I never would. I learned about melting potatoes. We made the sheet pan sandwiches of my dreams and they're vegan too. We had a real talk about the InstantPot and got some delicious short ribs out of it. I learned to make the best apple pie I've ever had. I made a completely bonkers layered mocha cheesecake late in the day on my husband's birthday, and last week we mashed up baklava and babka, just because we could. I look at all of this and I am so excited about the year we've had, many of these things I had barely dreamed up yet this time last year, and I hope next year is even better.

And now, a brief moment of sap: Getting to hang out here, indulging my culinary whims, and having a cheering and encouragement squad had been one of great surprises and delights of my so-called adult life. Who knew what I'd do when I grew up? Certainly not me. I bumbled along, I tried things I hated, I tried things I didn't hate but felt no passion for, and one day I landed here and, to my surprise, am rarely asked to leave. I am so thankful you are here and since I am not tired of cooking, I hope you never get tired of reading.

So tell me: Did you learn how to cook anything new this year?

Meanwhile, here are your Smitten Kitchen favorites from this year:
Read more »

Happy Holidays & See You In 2019!

And just like that, 2018 has come to a close here on Dream Green DIY! Thank you so much for all of your support and encouragement this year. I can't even begin to describe to you what it has meant to have all of you along for the ride on my eighth year of blogging.

Click back here to see all of the fun projects I worked on throughout 2018, and I hope you'll stop back in bright and early on January 7, 2019, as I kick off a brand new year of DIY crafting, building, and renovating. I've got so many ideas floating around in my head that I can't wait to make good on, so I hope you'll stay tuned. As always, if there's anything in particular that you'd like to see me focus on or try out, by all means, let me know about it in the comments, or you can shoot me a message here.

I'm headed out of the office for the next two weeks to enjoy my annual winter break, and I hope you all are going to have the chance to take some much-deserved time off, too. Whatever you get up to between now and the new year, I hope it's full of creativity and goal-setting. This is the perfect time of year, after all, to sit down and have a heart-to-heart with yourself about all the things you'd like to accomplish in the year ahead. I dare you to think really big! I know I will be.

I'm "officially" out of the office until January 7, but will be posting a special New Years Day message here on DGD like I do every year. Check back on the first day of January for a quick-but-candid post detailing everything I have planned for the blog throughout 2019. I've got a few big changes I can't wait to roll out across this digital space in the new year, and I'll be sharing (big) hints as to what those changes will be first thing on New Years Day.

Oh, and if you're curious to know what my personal resolution is going to be for 2019, make sure you're signed up for the DGD Tribe newsletter, too, because I'm planning to shoot that out to inboxes everywhere on January 2. Sign up here to get on that list. Happy holidays, everyone, and I'll see you next year!

P.S. Keep an eye on the DGD Pottery Etsy shop over the next two weeks for a special post-holiday sale. And for those of you still waiting for something to strike your fancy, I'll be adding all-new items to the shop at 9am EST on January 17, so mark your calendars!

The post Happy Holidays & See You In 2019! appeared first on Dream Green DIY.

6 Favorite Choices of 2019 Interior Color Trends

Color trends come and go while a well-coordinated interior color scheme stands the test of time. But, if you love interior design, you're always on the lookout for new trends in fantastic colors. So, to find out what's hot for 2019, let's take a look at some color predictions made for the coming year by some of the top paint companies.

Top Choices for 2019 Color Trends

Sherwin-Williams • Cavern Clay

An earthy hue with boldness, this elemental color is sure to add the feeling of a wind-swept desert or an evening at the beach to your interior. Add other earth elements such as tiles, stones, and pops of green plants to bring out a big warm welcome in your home.

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Benjamin-Moore • Metropolitan

Neutral and understated, this elegant color exudes with sophistication and balance. As a highly adaptable color, it also finishes with a soft matte or a beautiful sheen that shimmers.

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Valspar • Crisp Illuminated Violet

Taken from virtual reality, this is one of 12 colors of the year in the Valspar 2019 collection. This illuminated color is almost vibrant enough to be neon yet soft enough for a clean, modern style in your home.

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Behr • Blueprint

The Behr Blueprint color is a true blue with no hint of green or aqua which is a change from the trends of recent years. Simplicity makes this a good choice for an introduction to your interior without a lot of re-decorating or other color changes.

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Dutch Boy • Garden Patch

Soft grassy green with a touch of happiness gives this top rating as a 2019 color of the year from Dutch Boy paints. Moreover, this color will bring out the positivity in your interior design with its inherent comfort level.

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Ace Hardware • Clark + Kensington • Pineapple Cream Granita

This exciting shade of yellow is light and airy but that's not all that makes this color special. It is the first color to ever be mixed, created and named solely by an Ace customer during the Color of the Year contest!

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These selections are only the beginning of the new 2019 color of the year trends. So, if you don't find something here that sparks your interest, keep searching for the right new shade of paint. Also, I recommend that you subscribe for upcoming posts so you are the first to learn about the trending colors of 2019.

Other Posts You Might Enjoy:

Elegant Mural Themes for Your Bathroom

How Paint Color Makes Your Room Appear Spacious

5 Home Repairs to Make Over the Holiday Season

4 Ways to Design an Urban Loft Style into Your Home

The post 6 Favorite Choices of 2019 Interior Color Trends appeared first on Dig This Design.

House Plant Care

Houseplant care doesn't have to be complicated. Growing plants indoors has been a trend on the rise for a few years and shows no sign of slowing. Even if you don't have a set of green thumbs, you can still grow and healthy houseplants that will thrive for years to come.

Houseplant Care

 

Houseplant Care

Whether you are into cacti and succulents or tropical vines and flowering orchids, this article will show you how the best houseplant care methods, including how to re-pot and when to fertilize your new plant babies.  You will also learn how to propagate your plants so that you can multiply your plant collection for years to come.

What is the easiest houseplant to take care of?

The following is a list of some of the most forgiving houseplants available and are suitable for beginner botanists.

• Snake Plant.
• Bromeliads
• Jade
• Pothos
• Rubber Plant
• Dieffenbachia or Dumb Cane
• Air plants
• Succulents
• Cacti

There are many varieties of houseplants available at your local garden center so don't feel like you need to be limited by the list above. Buy a couple plants and take some time to learn about them. After you understand basic houseplant care for those species, buy a few more and keep your collection growing.

You may also like: 10 Ways to Incorporate Houseplants into Your Decor

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Thank you for being part of Crafty Little Gnome.

Houseplant Care 3 Pack of Plants

buy it now

 

Use watering globes to water your houseplants while you are on vacation.

How often should you water your houseplants?

Over-watering is one of the most common causes of houseplant death. If you're not sure how much to water, it's better to err on the dry side than to give your plants too much moisture. Too much water will cause root rot, which is irreversible.

All houseplants have slightly different watering requirements so it's best to water on an as-needed basis rather than by a set calendar schedule. In general, plants grown in well-drained soil in an appropriate-size container should be watered when the top 1/2 to 1 inch of soil feels dry. Most houseplants would prefer being slightly dry than soaking wet. Think about the plant's natural environment and try to recreate it in your home.

Try to water houseplants the way they would get moisture in their natural environments. Some plants need a period of dry soil for days or weeks. Others houseplants need more regular watering, with the soil allowed to dry between each drink. Still others prefer consistently moist soil.

Mist Houseplants

Misting with a spray bottle is also helpful for houseplants. A light misting once or twice a day is usually beneficial. Remember that we're trying to duplicate the natural environment for these plants, and that means humidity and misting for tropical plants. Consider placing these houseplants in your bathroom. These plants will love the extra moisture and humidity from your daily shower.

Placing a tray underneath the potted plant's container is the best way to catch that excess water and prevent a mess. 

The natural environment for cacti and succulents is a dry, desert climate, so obviously you shouldn't be watering them as much as you would a tropical plant. Let these types of plants dry out completely between watering and only water as little as necessary. Keep these plants out of the bathroom.

You may also like: How to Water Houseplants While Away

How much light do houseplants need?

Houseplants typically require:

• high light (six or more hours a day),
• medium light (four to six hours a day),
• or low light (less than three hours a day).

Plants will either require bright or direct light (sunlight from a south-facing window) or indirect or filtered light (sunlight through a curtain or light from a bulb).

When plants don't get the light they need, they won't necessarily die, but they will stop producing new growth.

Grow lights for house plants

If you place your houseplants in a room that doesn't get a lot of natural light or you live in an area that gets dark early in the winter you may need to invest in a few grow lights to keep your plants happy and healthy.

In order to grow, plants need:

• Blue wavelength light for foliage growth.
• Red wavelength light for flowering and fruiting.
• Plants have little use for green wavelengths and reflect them back, which is why leaves appear green.

You don't need to spend a fortune on expensive grow lights.

Fluorescent lights are by far the most economical and easy choice for houseplants. They come in tubes or compact bulbs (CFL) that screw into regular lamp sockets, and they're cool enough to put close to plant foliage.

Generic fluorescent tubes and bulbs are higher in blue wavelengths, so look for "full-spectrum" or include a mix of "cool" and "warm" bulbs. When in doubt, buy "cool white" products, since white light contains the full spectrum of wavelengths. For maximum effect, position fluorescent bulbs about a foot away from plant foliage.

Try this easy method to add light for plants in a room with low natural light:

1. Find a standing lamp with three bulbs, ideally one with moveable or goose neck fixtures.
2. Use one incandescent bulb and two compact fluorescent bulbs of the highest wattage you can within the safe wattage rating for the fixture.
3. Aim the lights toward your plant table. If each fixture is separately movable, then put the fluorescent bulbs closer than the incandescent to avoid heat damage.
4. Place a mirror or other reflective surface underneath your plants, to reflect light back up onto the foliage.
5. Attach a timer set to 16 hours per day.

You may also like: 10 Best Herbs to Grow All Year Round

Houseplant care: When to re-pot

How to Re-pot Houseplants

Not sure if your houseplants need re-potting? Check the root systems. If the roots are circling the inside of the container, it may be time to re-pot the plant. When the plant has outgrown its pot you can transplant it into a slightly larger container. If you'd like to keep it in the same pot, trim off some of the roots with a sharp knife and replant it into the container using fresh potting soil. When you are putting it into a new pot, only transplant it into a pot that is one size larger.

Spring and summer are the best seasons for re-potting your houseplants. As you re-pot your houseplants, it's also a good time to divide those with multiple stems to get new plants. We will go over different methods of propagation in a moment.

What type of soil should you use to re-pot houseplants?

The best growing media for houseplants is actually soil-less and is a combination of equal parts peat moss, vermiculite/ perlite, and compost.

Orchids are notoriously picky with their potting medium. There aren't as many "one size fits all" options for orchid growing media, but a good combination for orchids is a well-drained mixture with plenty of room for the roots to breathe.

When you go to the garden center to purchase new "soil" (growing media) look at the packaging to find best variety for your particular plant. It should say what plant the soil will work best for, like orchids or cacti.

Repotting cacti

Repotting a cactus can be tricky. Make sure you protect yourself by wearing thick gloves. An easy trick to help avoid getting poked is to wrap the spiky part of the cactus up in newspaper while you move it to a new pot. Cacti are slow growing so you should only need to re-pot it every two or three years.

You may also like: How to Re-pot a Cactus

Propagate some houseplants by rooting the stem cutting in a vase of water.

Houseplant Propagation

There are three main ways to propagate your house plants:

• Some houseplants such as spider plant and strawberry begonia reproduce by sending out runners with new plantlets at the end. It's super simple to root these to start new plants.
• Other varieties such as bromeliads send up new shoots at the base of the plant or offsets, which you can divide and put into pots.
• Climbing houseplants such as philodendron and pothos form new roots where their stems come into contact with soil. 

You may also like: How to Propagate Herbs

Indoor herbs make great houseplants

How to Bring a Dying Plant Back to Life

If your plant looks like it has seen better days, don't stress. There are things you can do to help save your beloved houseplant before it is too far gone.

Dead leaves, stems, & branches must go. Use a pair of scissors or shears to trim away any dead leaves from the plant, then trim away all dead branches. Getting rid of anything dead will help the plant focus its energy on new growth.

Check light and humidity conditions. Make sure that sunlight is coming in direct contact with your plant, but not more than it needs.

Make sure you are not over watering or under watering your plant. See the guidelines above for how much water you should be giving your plants. Remember: over watering is the most common cause of plant death.

Houseplants with crochet cozies on the pots

How do you maintain indoor plants?

Almost all houseplants look better with regular grooming. Part of houseplant care is maintaining your plants to keep them lush and healthy. Dust collects on leaves, so wash them with a gentle shower of room-temperature water or dust them with a soft brush if the plants have hairy leaves. This improves the plant's appearance and keeps the leaf pores unobstructed so that the plant gets more light.

The main reason for pruning houseplants is to make them look better. If one of your plants has a branch that's too long, cut it back to a side shoot or main stem. Also remove any dead or diseased leaves and stems to help prevent the problem from spreading.

Rejuvenate overgrown houseplants by cutting them back to 4 to 6 inches tall. This technique is effective in encouraging new growth for trailing plants such as Swedish ivy and pothos that may have become bare at their bases.

Pinching means you remove stem tips, either with your fingernails or pruners. Pinch out the tip of a stem and the topmost leaves to promote growth of side buds. Plants that grow rapidly often look best with frequent pinching to keep them compact and bushy.

Trim faded flowers from your plants to keep the plant blooming and help prevent disease problems. While you're at it, be sure to remove yellow, brown, or withered leaves. Use a narrow-blade hand pruner or sharp scissors to make a clean cut without tearing the plant's stem.

Remove and destroy diseased houseplants or affected leaves or stems as they develop to prevent spread of the disease. Some diseases spread by insects, so keeping the insect population in check helps prevent disease problems.

Pothos Houseplant Care

Fertilizer for houseplants

Like watering, there isn't an easy guideline to know how much to fertilize. It depends on plant's growth rate and age, and the time of year. Avoid feeding houseplants when they're not actively growing or if they are stressed.

Most houseplants put on a growth spurt in spring and summer. This is the best time to fertilize them. During the short days of fall and winter, most houseplants go through a dormant period and need little, if any, fertilizer. Follow label directions to know how much plant food to use.

Fertilizers come in a broad array of formulations, and it's important to avoid over-fertilizing your houseplants. Too much fertilizer can burn their roots and stunt their growth. For flowering varieties, use a fertilizer in which the three numbers on the label (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, respectively) are relatively equal. If the nitrogen content is too high, the plant may grow a lot of leaves, but few flowers.

Houseplant care in the dining room.

Pest Control for Indoor Plants

Several insects commonly attack houseplants. Insecticidal soap is an easy-to-use, effective treatment for most soft-bodied pests such as aphids and spider mites. A forceful spray of water from the hose may knock down the population of these pests, too. Rubbing alcohol is effective on insects with waxy coatings such as scale and mealybugs.

An all-natural way to help prevent and get rid of pests is to use a solution that contains neem oil. Dust and grime can also attract and harbor spider mites and other insect pests. Wash smooth-leaved houseplants with a moist, soft cloth and some insecticidal soap, such as Neem Oil Spray. For plants with many small leaves, use a hand sprayer or sink sprayer to douse them with water.

No matter what treatment you use, be consistent. For fast-reproducing pests such as aphids and spider mites, you may need to treat plants once a week for a month to be rid of the pests.

Fungus gnats are tiny black flies that buzz around the soil; they're often confused with fruit flies. You typically see fungus gnats in large numbers when plants are over-watered. Allow the soil surface to dry between waterings.

Whether you are a beginner plantsman or a more experienced home botanist, collecting houseplants can be a fun and rewarding hobby. Do you have a houseplant collection? Let me know some of your best tips for houseplant care in the comments!

The post House Plant Care appeared first on Crafty Little Gnome.

How Much Does Landscape Design Cost?

How Much Does Landscape Design Cost In Portland

Sample Landscape Design

Updated 12/18 to reflect the current cost of landscape design.

When you hire a landscape designer you are paying them to develop a plan for your property. This usually involves drawings that show your landscape from above. You can see placement and relative sizes of proposed elements. Plants are placed, lighting fixtures are specified- the irrigation system layout may even be involved. This design, once in hand, can be given to licensed landscape contractors to bid and install.

But what does it  actually cost to get a landscape design completed?

In general, a full landscape design will cost $500 - $5000. (Ross NW Watergardens usually charges between $1500 and $3000.) Some landscape designers charge an initial consultation fee, ranging from $100 - $250. (We have no initial consultation fee.) What factors affect price?

Modern Landscape Design by Ben Bowen of Ross NW Watergardens

• The designer's credentials. Landscape designers can become accredited or certified through a number of organizations. These can be an indicator of experience and skill- they are definitely a cost, which probably gets reflected in their price. A landscape designer with a long career, good reputation, established network, and impressive portfolio is certainly going to cost more. And if your designer is actually a landscape architect, then expect to pay towards the high end of the range above.

• Your property. Large properties require large amounts of time at the drafting table or computer and will cost more. Properties with a lot of slopes, existing mature landscapes, extra environmental concerns, or other challenges will push the price up.

• Your desires. Sometimes clients call looking for a landscape design, but really just need a planting plan. Basic improvements can be easily worked out and are towards the lower end of the cost spectrum. If you want an outdoor kitchen, deck, water feature, lighting, shed, and whatever else? That's a lot of moving parts and the design fee will reflect that.

• Landscape style. Purity is one of the most expensive things in design. An authentic English or Japanese garden takes a lot of knowledge, planning, and skill. A design that prioritizes modern lines, native plantings, wildlife, or low water use narrows options and challenges a designer. We enjoy these kinds of challenges- but they come at a cost.

There are obviously a lot of factors that effect what you pay for a landscape design. But, with the knowledge above you at least have an idea of what your design project could cost. The only way to find out for sure is to contact a local landscape designer and ask!

You Can't Visit Mexico City Without Going to This Neighborhood

For many visitors to Mexico City, Coyoacán is mostly known as the neighborhood where the Frida Kahlo museum is located. In fact, it's about all I knew as well-that is, until I made the area my home last December. Though it's just a few miles south of the bustling capital's historic center, Coyoacán-which was the headquarters of Hernán Cortés during the Spanish conquest and only became an official borough of the city in 1928-feels like another world altogether.

Today, it's a quiet, family-friendly area with windy cobblestoned streets, beautiful centuries-old architecture color-blocked in all shades of the rainbow, and two main plazas that are always buzzing with vendors, street performers, young couples strolling hand-in-hand, kids squealing, and-on most weekends-weddings at the 16th-century Parish of San Juan Bautista. (It's also where you'll find my favorite tamales in town.)

Read More >>

Things to do in Middle Georgia: Halloween Events

Things to do in Middle Georgia: Halloween Events For the squeamish or those easily frightened, you may want to steer clear of these 2018 Middle Georgia Halloween Events.  For the rest of us it is time to get your scare on with a visit to one, some, or all of these frightening, entertaining, and ghoulishly […]

The post Things to do in Middle Georgia: Halloween Events appeared first on Warner Robins Real Estate - Warner Robins GA 31088.

Houses For Sale in Kingsbury, TX

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Elsie's Tried & True Non-Toxic Skincare Buys

Hi there! So after three years of testing, trying, and swapping out for non-toxic beauty products, I decided it was a good time to pull together a GIANT list of favorites for you! This post is going to be A LOT of products. I don't use all of these every day. But I do love to swap back and forth a lot with my products (it makes my skin happy to switch it up!) and these are all the products that I have rebought, I would rebuy OR I find myself continually recommending to friends!

When I first dove into natural skincare and beauty, I tried so many products that I didn't love. A lot of them just didn't perform as well as conventional, had ugly packaging or didn't smell nice. Everything I am sharing today is a winner in my book and something I am proud to personally recommend. I want people jumping into natural beauty to have a good starting point with products that are exciting to try! I hope you enjoy this.

Cleansing oils. 
I am big on oil cleansing. There are two reasons I love oil cleansers. One is that you never need makeup remover again because it gets all the makeup (even eyeliner and mascara) off very well. The second reason is that it moisturizes and balances my skin. I have met so many people with both oily or dry skin who swear by oil cleansing. If you have never tried it, I highly recommend it. But I will add a water-based cleanser here too for any of you (crazy people) who don't want to open your hearts to oil cleansing.

Leahlani Tropical Enzyme Cleansing Oil 
This product is on my "hell yes" list. It's the best smelling skincare product you will ever buy. It kind of smells like a creamsicle … a creamsicle from Hawaii. My skin always feels super refreshed. I use it to take my makeup off every night.

One Love Botanics Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil
My other favorite cleansing oil. This is best if you have dry skin. It smells incredible as well.

Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash
For those of you who refuse to try an oil cleanser, here is an option for you! It's foamy and a little tingly!

Masks. 
I am SUPER passionate about my masks. I do about three a week, usually at night while I read for 20-30 minutes before bed. I do notice a difference in my skin when I use them. And I use different masks for different skin concerns.

Leahlani Meli Glow 
This is my current favorite mask because it is deeply hydrating and glowy skin is my number one goal. It smells like honey and strawberries. Raw honey is one of the best things for your skin-it contains all kinds of wonderful nutrients! This is a great anytime mask!

Herbivore Brighten Mask 
I use this mask when my skin is feeling dull. It has a tingle and it's important to use a mask brush and mix it up (shake it too) before putting it on because some of the ingredients tend to settle at the bottom of the jar. It will gently exfoliate and brighten my skin. I probably use it once a month or so, only when my skin is looking dull.

Tata Harper Clarifying Mask
The ultimate green mask. This one is a little more pricey, but great. It has micro crystals that provide a little more exfoliation. So, just like my brighten mask, I only use this one when my skin is in need of exfoliation.

One Love Organics Love & Charcoal
I had to include a charcoal mask! This is a great clarifying mask for anytime your skin is in need of a "deep clean" like after a trip or a long week of wearing too much makeup.

(and continuing with a few more masks!)

100% Pure Does It All Sheet Mask 
I love 100% pure sheet masks. I also use their collagen boost mask quite a bit. Favorite sheet masks!

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask 
This is my number one favorite mask for two purposes: travel and sleep! It's called jet lag mask because you can totally wear it during a long flight-it goes on like lotion and other than a slight glow doesn't look like you are wearing a mask. I wear it all the time to sleep in and it's amazing for waking up with super moisturized skin. The only thing I will say is that you do definitely need to rinse it off fully before applying makeup. I tried to wear makeup over it once and it made my makeup peel off-lol.

Honest Hazel Eye Masks 
Great for giving a little boost of collagen to the under eye area. I always refrigerate mine because the cold helps to reduce puffiness as well!

Exfoliants.
I am pretty minimal with exfoliating because I read a while back that most people exfoliate way too much. But since I don't make time to go get facials as much as I wish I did, I do think it is useful to do a little bit of chemical exfoliating (I almost never use physical exfoliants, just my personal preference) every once in a while.

Herbivore Prism Natural Fruit Acid Glow Potion 
I LOVE this potion. I use 5-7 drops a few times per week in my night routine (after I cleanse, before I apply face oil). It's my all-time favorite Herbivore product. The ingredients list is inspiring and it really performs!

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads 
These are great as well and an easier format to travel with. These are useful to getting rid of dull skin and I would also use this just before the face oil or serum step at night. Both these products are good for sensitive skin.

Toners and Mists. 
I tend to go a little crazy in this category because mists are my absolute favorite. I only started using them a few years ago, but now they are an important part of my beauty routine. I use them for my face, my body, when my skin looks dry, after applying an oil or serum and simply to help me wake up in the morning.

I will admit I have too many, but I do use them all and they're typically on the less expensive end of beauty products, so maybe it's not so bad to have a little collection?

True Botanicals Renew Nutrient Mist 
The biggest thing I enjoy about True Botanicals is that their products smell very herbal (not too floral since many mists are rose water-based). I love this mist and it does last a long time.

Sailor Sea Mist Refreshing Toner 
This is available at Target and such a great option for a great price. It smells like cucumbers and basil and I use it to mist my whole body (I know it sounds crazy, but try misting your legs next time you are wearing a dress. It actually makes a nice difference-I have pretty dry legs).

Leahlani Bohemian Ruby Balancing Toner
Specifically great for dry and sensitive skin. Each bottle has a purified rose quartz inside. I feel like there are two types of people-those who want a purified rose quartz piece in their beauty products, and those who are reading this sentence scratching their heads. LOL I have to say, I am a fangirl for this brand and love every single thing they put out, so I'll take all the aloha magic there is!

Ere Perez Herbal Face Tonic
This one is really unique and lately I have found myself reaching for it over and over. It's ideal for tired skin so maybe that is why- haha! I'm always game for a pick-me-up! You can also find this mist on Amazon here.

Oxalis Apocathary Mineral Mist 
I fell in love with this New Orleans-based brand a few years ago and have been repurchasing it ever since. It's one of my favorites!

Face Oil. 
OK, strap on your seat belts. Just like with all the other categories, you only need ONE … but I want to give you all my favorite options since they have different benefits, packaging, and pricing. Plus, I truly could not choose just one favorite face oil. I switch around all the time.

Asarai Vitamin Oil 
Lately, I have been using this a lot and loving it! The line was developed by a Naturopath (I think the stories behind companies are so important and cool to learn about) and I love the bright yellow packaging. My skin drinks this oil up.

Leahlani Champagne Serum 
Definitely a classic go-to! I love this oil. It doesn't take much to cover my whole face before bedtime and it smells subtle and nice. It's a good calming oil if you have inflamed skin or suffer from redness.

Elsie's Face Oil 
Here is the recipe. I wanted to show this DIY option because once you have a few basic supplies you can make your own face oils for very budget-friendly price and they are fun to mix!

RMS Beauty Oil
I love this oil because it smells so nice and contains marigold and turmeric (hence the pretty color). It's a little more on the pricey end, but I have to recommend it because it's so soothing and nice.

Meow Meow Tweet Juniper Carrot Seed Face Oil
If you are on a budget and looking for a quality face oil, look no further (well, honestly there are quite a few options in this post under $40). I love that this oil contains carrot seed oil, hemp oil and geranium. It's a good one!

True Botanicals Renew Pure Radiance Oil 
Love this oil. It has the longest ingredients list ever (in a good way) and is full of amazing oils meant to deliver benefits to the skin. I have used this one for a long time and can't say enough good things about it. The only bad thing-the price tag, of course. True Botanicals is a bit more pricey in general than most of the other brands I love, but their ingredients lists are always excellent!

Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil 
I am definitely obsessed with this oil and this brand. It's great quality and I love that you can buy it at Sephora since it's convenient (Sephora has some clean brands, but far from an extensive lineup). I love that this oil doesn't have much fragrance-sometimes you don't want that. It's a great morning oil. I usually put on my face oil in the morning and then go let the dogs out or get a coffee to let it soak in about 10 minutes before I put on any makeup.

Osea Essential Hydrating Oil
This actually came in the Oui Fresh beauty box recently and my first time to try it was in preparation for that box. This oil is amazing. I love that it comes in this smaller size because it can go in my purse and is great for travel. They also sell a one-ounce bottle as well if you don't like the roller application (I personally love rollers!). This oil smells amazing to me, but I heard some of our customers say they didn't love it. It's funny how smells can be that way. I love it-it has chamomile, cedarwood, geranium and cardamom … so a lot going on, but that also means it's crazy healthy for your skin because it's filled with a diverse lineup of ingredients. I am a fan!

Fragrance. 
I get asked ALL the time what kind of natural fragrances I use. This is a complicated category because synthetic fragrances can be VERY toxic so it's an important category to swap out (especially for people who spray fragrance directly on their skin!). But it's nearly impossible to find truly natural fragrances that mimic synthetic. So, if you set out to replace a perfume you bought at the mall, the natural ones will smell very different to you at first.

That said, after you get used to natural scents instead of synthetic fragrance, your preferences may change. For example, I used to LOVE perfume and wear it almost every day. But now I can't stand any kind of conventional perfume, candles, room sprays, or shampoos with fragrance. It all smells horrible to me.

Anyway! Here are a few of my favorites!

Moon Milk by Kani
Kani has a bunch of amazing products, but this moon milk body oil is my favorite scent EVER. The glitter is not obnoxious looking. I usually use just a little on my neck and arms and everyone asks me what I am wearing. It's amazing!

Skylar Meadow Perfume 
The closest thing to conventional perfume I have found. It smells so nice, it's friendly for people with allergies, and is responsibly made.

Leahlani Bless Aromatherapy Essense 
I love this scent and I love this packaging. It definitely does NOT smell like conventional perfume-it is in a completely different category but it is so nice. It smells like blue tansy and citrus.

Leahlani Perfume Oils 
These come as a set of three or single. My favorite is Pikake and my second favorite is Mahana. Pikake is my everyday scent and I love that it comes as an oil that I feel safe putting on my skin. They smell like Hawaii.

Boosters + Eye Creams. 
I go through phases where I go super simple and don't use any of this stuff. And other phases where I want a lot of bells and whistles and add more and more. These are definitely add ons, not necessarily essentials, but they are still awesome and worth mentioning!

Ere Perez Quandong Green Booster Serum
Like a green smoothie for your face! I like to rub in a few drops after my face oil before bed.

Biossance Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel
Eye cream is big for me. Growing up, my eye circles were the first thing I was insecure about and tried to OVER correct with makeup. I was also terrified of acne, so I used a ton of really harsh products and I noticed fine lines around my eyes in my EARLY 20s. What's crazy is that now that I am in my mid-30s and using completely different products, I am much less insecure about my eyes. I still have fine lines and eye circles, but using face oil and better makeup helped them to be much less noticeable. Now that I know what I am doing, the biggest advice I would give to someone in their 20s is to focus on the actual ingredients IN your products-not the claims the products make. You don't need to spend a ton of money on "anti-aging" products-quality clean skincare is as "anti-aging" as it is going to get! And also drink more water!

Anyway, sorry for the tangent. This is another favorite I first learned about from our beauty box. It's very light and I spread it all around my undereye and above my eye as well.

(I just realized I have three different eye creams here. You'll have to forgive me for that, I am passionate about it!)

Frankincense Essential Oil
The holy grail essential oil. Frankincense is an amazing skincare oil. I often add just one drop to my face oil at night as a booster. I have seen a lot of benefits in my skin since switching to this more simplistic approach. If I had to give up all my skincare I could honestly be happy with just a quality face oil and a bottle of Frankincense.

100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream and 100% Pure Superfruit Oil Nourishing Eye Cream
Love these both. They make a good AM and PM duo. The coffee bean cream is my longtime fave. It smells incredible and is helpful for puffy eyes and dark circles. The superfruit cream is more for lessening the appearance of wrinkles, so I like it as a night cream.

General rule: Whether you use a targeted eye cream or not, be sure to moisturize your eye area daily. It's so delicate and can use all the love it can get!

Body Lotions and Oils.
Here are some great quality options for your body. My arms, legs, elbows and feet all get super dry, but for some reason it is more difficult for me to remember to moisturize daily. Keeping one of these beside my bed helps a lot!

Oy-l Body Butter (I like lavender)
This has a whipped texture that is so luxurious (I pretty much never use the word luxurious-lol- this is very serious!). It's unbeatable and for sure my favorite lotion of all time!

Egyptian Magic
So I was really drawn to the quirky packaging and low price tag. This drugstore beauty buy has a perfect ingredient list! It is rated a zero on the Think Dirty app. I originally got it for Nova because when we first got home from China she had very dry skin. It's a great one to carry around in a diaper bag or travel with because it's all-purpose, you can use it for pretty much anything!

Primally Pure Body Oils in Blue Tansy and Lemongrass 
I like to put on a body oil right after a shower and let it soak in a few minutes before dressing. These both smell amazing!

The Seaweed Bath Co Detox Cream
I love how affordable this is and that you can pick it up at Target. I use this one quite a bit!

Suncare.
Because Nova has Albinism, her skin has no pigment, which also means she has no protection from the sun and needs to wear sunscreen on every part of her body that is exposed to the sun. So we go through A LOT of sunscreen in our home (we average about one bottle per week lately!). Of course, most people don't need to wear sunscreen on this level, but most of us need to be more careful, especially when spending extended periods of time in the sun. Sunburns cause damage to your skin over time and none of us want that. So here are our go-to sunscreens and why we use each of them!

Without going on a huge rant, a lot of sunscreens (especially for kids) are very toxic. It is an important category to put effort into replacing with clean products.

Goddess Garden Sunscreen
Since we use so much sunscreen we decided to try the most affordable brand we could that still performs well (for us this means goes on smooth without an insane amount of white film and, obviously, that it works) and still meets our standards for clean ingredients.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen 
This is by far the best face sunscreen to apply. Because it is a clear gel it is really smooth to put on and doesn't leave any white film. It's just an all around really great face sunscreen.

Coola Scalp & Hair Mist
This is important because most people don't put any sunscreen on the top of their heads, but most people's scalps are still somewhat exposed, so it's an easy place to miss (just like the tops of the ears). I like this product because it goes on quick and easy and isn't aerosol (I try not to buy any aerosol suncreen).

Supergoop Setting Powder (SPF 45) 
This is awesome! I use it as my setting powder and I got the lightest color to use as a touch up sunscreen for Nova when we are out.

Coola 
Coola is pretty much my go-to. I stock up often and they have a lot of travel sizes, which are so helpful for us (for both actual airplane travel and always having sunscreen in my purse or diaper bag when we are out).

Hair Products. 
I am still searching for a shampoo and conditioner. For Nova, I use Honest Company. For me, I have tried probably 10 different brands and it has been by FAR the most difficult category for me to find a go-to. If you have suggestions, I would love to hear them!

That said, I do still have some clean hair products that I use regularly.

Shea Moisture Hold & Shine Moisture Mist
My go-to foreverrrrrr. I've been using this for more than five years now. My hair routine is pretty minimal, but my ends get dry from heat styling, so I like to use this shine spray on them.

Honest Beauty Sea Salt Spray 
For the summer months, I have been letting my hair air dry almost every time, and I love this spray. It smells so good!

Shea Moisture Leave-In Treatment 
I use this before I heat style and after every time I wash.

And one more RANDOM thing.
Self tanner. I recently tried this self tanner and it is the cleanest scoring self tanner I have EVER seen (almost everything has fragrance in it) and it works VERY well. I think I can finally give up my expensive spray tan habit (or at least minimize it). I am so excited!!! If you have never self tanned at home, use the mitt … it makes a HUGE difference and spend extra time rubbing it in.

OK … I think that is all! This post took me almost a whole day to write-haha-so I hope it helps some of you on your journeys to cleaner skincare! I will have a makeup companion post coming for you soon! xx – Elsie

Credits//Author: Elsie Larson. Photography: Amber Ulmer. Photos edited with A Color Story Desktop.