Author: jennifer

hello! i'm jenn I’m so glad you’re here! Join me as I share how we live more naturally, homemake simply and create handmade things in rural PA. I can go on and on about homeschooling and self healing; our mind, body and home. So let's be friends already!!
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Thieves Household Cleaner: A Natural, All-Purpose Cleaning Solution

In a world filled with harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, finding a safe and effective cleaning solution can be a challenge. That’s where Young Living’s Thieves Household Cleaner comes in—a natural, plant-based cleaner that offers a powerful and toxin-free alternative for your home. If you’re looking to simplify your cleaning routine while keeping your family safe from harmful chemicals, this is for you.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

What is Thieves Household Cleaner?

Thieves Household Cleaner is a concentrated, all-purpose cleaning solution made with plant-based ingredients and infused with the proprietary Thieves essential oil blend. Thieves essential oil is a combination of clove, lemon, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, and rosemary—each known for their natural cleaning and purifying properties.

This cleaner is designed to tackle dirt, grime, and bacteria without the need for toxic chemicals, making it safe to use around children and pets. Plus, it has a warm and spicy aroma that leaves your home smelling fresh and inviting.

Key Benefits of Thieves Household Cleaner

  • Non-toxic & Plant-Based – Free from harsh chemicals like ammonia, chlorine, and synthetic fragrances.
  • Highly Concentrated – A little goes a long way! One bottle lasts for months when diluted properly.
  • Multi-Purpose – Works on a variety of surfaces, including countertops, glass, floors, and even fabrics.
  • Safe for Families & Pets – No harmful fumes or residue left behind.
  • Eco-Friendly – Biodegradable formula that’s safe for the environment.

How to Use Thieves Household Cleaner

Here are some common dilution ratios: (Because it’s a concentrated formula, it should be diluted before use.)

  • All-Purpose Spray: Mix 1 capful of Thieves Household Cleaner with 16 oz of water in a spray bottle.
  • Glass & Mirror Cleaner: Mix 1 capful with 3 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of white vinegar.
  • Floor Cleaner: Add 1 capful to a gallon of warm water.
  • Bathroom Cleaner: Use 1 capful per 2 cups of water for sinks, tubs, and toilets.
  • Degreaser: Mix 1 capful with 1 cup of water for tough grease stains.

DIY Cleaning Recipes with Thieves Household Cleaner

Want to customize your cleaning solutions? Here are some more simple DIY recipes using Thieves Household Cleaner:

1. DIY Disinfecting Wipes

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Cut the roll of paper towels in half and place them in a container.
  2. Mix the water, Thieves Cleaner, and tea tree oil in a bowl.
  3. Pour the mixture over the wipes and store in a sealed container.
  4. Use as needed for quick clean-ups!

2. Thieves Soft Scrub

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl to form a paste.
  2. Use a sponge to scrub sinks, tubs, or stovetops.
  3. Rinse with warm water.

3. Carpet Refresher

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Mix all ingredients and store in a shaker jar.
  2. Sprinkle over carpets and let sit for 10 minutes.
  3. Vacuum as usual.

Why Choose Thieves Household Cleaner Over Conventional Cleaners?

Most commercial cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can negatively impact indoor air quality and pose health risks. Ingredients like ammonia, bleach, and artificial fragrances have been linked to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even long-term health concerns.

Thieves Household Cleaner offers a safe, natural, and effective alternative without compromising on cleaning power. Plus, its essential oil-infused formula provides added antibacterial and antiviral benefits while making your home smell amazing.

Where to Buy Thieves Household Cleaner

Thieves Household Cleaner is available through Young Living, a well-known company that specializes in high-quality essential oil-based products. You can purchase it directly using my link and by entering my referral # 28550691 when checking out.

If you’re looking to switch to a more natural and eco-friendly cleaning routine, Young Living’s Thieves Household Cleaner is a must-have. It’s an all-in-one solution that simplifies your cleaning routine while keeping your home safe and fresh. With so many uses and DIY possibilities, it’s no wonder Thieves Household Cleaner has become a favorite among those who prioritize natural living.

Have you tried this all purpose cleaner? Share your favorite ways to use it in the comments below!

More Natural Living Posts:

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How to embrace simplicity and slow living

We now live in a world that glorifies busyness and constant hustle, embracing simplicity and slow living can feel like a crazy and rebellious act. We are often conditioned to believe that success is measured by how much we accomplish, how fast we move, and how full our schedules are. But what if we slowed down, embraced simplicity, and started living more intentionally?

If you’re looking for a more peaceful, meaningful, and balanced life, hopefully this post will explain why simplicity and slow living matter and how you can incorporate them into your daily routine.

What is simplicity and slow living?

Simplicity is about removing excess—whether physical, mental, or emotional—so we can focus on what truly matters. Slow living aligns with this by encouraging us to move through life with greater awareness, presence, and appreciation for the moment.

It’s not about deprivation, and it doesn’t mean doing everything at a snail’s pace. Instead, we should be making intentional choices, finding contentment in less, and prioritizing the things that bring us joy and purpose.

Why should we embrace simplicity and slow living?

1. Reduces Stress and overwhelm
A cluttered life—whether it’s a cluttered schedule, home, or mind—leads to constant stress and overwhelm. When we simplify, we remove unnecessary distractions and obligations, allowing us to breathe, rest, and focus on what’s truly important.

2. Creates more time for what matters
By slowing down and being intentional with our time, we make room for what truly brings us joy: meaningful relationships, creative pursuits, time in nature, and self-care. We shift from a life of reacting to a life of intentionally choosing how we spend our days.

3. Encourages mindfulness and presence
When we embrace slow living, we become more mindful of the present moment. Stop rushing through meals, conversations, or activities. Enjoy them. This mindfulness helps us appreciate the small joys of everyday life, leading to greater overall happiness.

4. Leads to financial freedom and less consumerism
A simpler life often means consuming less—less shopping, fewer impulse purchases, and less attachment to material things. This not only benefits our wallets but also reduces financial stress and helps us live with a sense of abundance rather than always striving for more.

5. Supports sustainability and a healthier planet
A slower, simpler lifestyle is often more sustainable. When we consume less, waste less, and make mindful choices about what we bring into our lives, we naturally reduce our environmental footprint. Living intentionally also means appreciating quality over quantity, investing in sustainable products, and supporting ethical brands.

6. Strengthens relationships
When we slow down, we create space for deeper, more meaningful connections with loved ones. Instead of rushing through conversations or feeling distracted, we become more present, listen more intently, and cultivate stronger relationships.

7. Promotes better health and well-being
Constant busyness can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even physical health issues. A slower, more intentional lifestyle prioritizes rest, movement, nourishing food, and self-care—all of which contribute to a healthier, more balanced life.

How to start embracing simplicity and slow living

1. Declutter your space
Start small by simplifying your physical environment. Get rid of excess clutter, donate what no longer serves you, and create a home that feels peaceful and intentional.

2. Prioritize your time and energy
Assess your schedule and commitments. What truly adds value to your life? What can you let go of? Learn to say no to obligations that drain your energy and say yes to the things that truly matter.

3. Practice mindful living
Be fully present in whatever you’re doing—whether it’s eating, talking to a loved one, or going for a walk. Avoid multitasking and savor each moment with intention.

4. Slow down your daily routine
Instead of rushing through your day, incorporate slow moments: enjoy a quiet morning, sip your coffee mindfully, take deep breaths, and allow yourself to move at a pace that feels natural.

5. Simplify your consumption
Be intentional about what you bring into your life—whether it’s possessions, media, or commitments. Ask yourself: Does this add value? Does this align with my priorities?

6. Connect with nature
Spending time in nature naturally encourages slowness and mindfulness. Take a walk, sit in the sun, or garden—these small moments of connection help ground us and bring a sense of peace.

7. Practice gratitude
Focus on what you have rather than what you lack. Keeping a gratitude journal or simply pausing to appreciate the present moment can shift your mindset towards contentment and fulfillment.

Simplicity and slow living are not about doing less for the sake of it—they are about doing less of what doesn’t matter so you can do more of what does. By embracing a slower, simpler lifestyle, you’ll find yourself more present, more fulfilled, and more connected to what truly makes life meaningful.

Are you ready to embrace simplicity and slow living? Share your thoughts or favorite slow living practices in the comments below!

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DIY Facial Toner with Essential Oils

diy facial toner

This diy facial toner recipe will leave your skin feeling fresh, clean and balanced without drying it out. It’s really easy to make. You don’t need a lot of ingredients and you probably already have most if them in your home. It’s also customizable and not filled with unknown toxins. That’s one of the main reasons why I love making my own products.

I’m a super simple lady so I need a very simple routine, especially if i’m to be consistent and do it regularly. I actually don’t wear makeup anymore so I basically just wash and rinse my face with water and a cotton face towel. After I pat dry, I’ll spritz on a few pumps of the diy facial toner and apply my diy facial serum. In the winter months, if I’m really dry, I’ll also use moisturizer on top of the serum.

diy facial toner

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

The benefits of using a facial toner:

Toners help balance your skin after cleansing, hydrates and refreshes your skin. It can also minimizes pores and helps soothe and calm any inflammation. It sort of acts as a primer for serums and moisturizers. You can also add essential oils for added benefits.

Natural toners

Witch hazel – an astringent that helps calm the skin.

Rose water – is gentle and hydrating. naturally balance your skin’s pH.

Apple cider vinegar – naturally exfoliates your skin so it’s brighter and more even.

Why add essential oils?

In natural skin care, essential oils aren’t added just for their wonderful scent but for their therapeutic benefits. They’re potent plant extracts that should be used carefully and minimally. 

Great oils to add in toners

Geranium – Great for conditioning, balancing, soothing and reduces the signs of aging. Can be used on cuts and wounds to help fight infection.

Frankincense – improves skin tone, elasticity and fights against blemishes. Also a skin brightener.

Copaiba – Helps clear skin of blemishes, reduce inflammation and is calming. Known for enhancing the effects of other oils.

Lavender – Reduce redness, soothe and calm the skin and rapidly heal minor cuts, scrapes and rashes.

Tea Tree – Soothes dry and itchy skin. Used for healing acne and combating oily skin.

Rose – Excellent source of various vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, making it fantastic for tackling dry skin, acne, inflammation, redness and helps balance the skin’s pH.

Myrrh – Great for anti-aging, skin rejuvenation, stretch marks and eczema.

Lemon – Use to speed healing. Helps with brightening your skin, excellent for clearing acne and helps reduce signs of aging.

Adding essential oils can be very beneficial for the skin but remember a little goes a long way. Essential oils are very potent and should be diluted properly. You can use any combination of oils you’d like, that’s the main reason why I love making my own products. Beware of citrus oils, some people may be sensitive because they’re photosensitive and shouldn’t be worn if you’re going to be in direct sunlight. I’m actually sensitive so I avoid using citrus oils on my skin if I know I’ll be outside.

My DIY Facial Toner Recipe

Ingredients and tools I used:
Geranium essential oil
Frankincense essential oil
Copaiba essential oil
Witch Hazel
4oz glass spray bottle

how to make it:
in a 4oz glass spray bottle add
5 drops Geranium
5 drops Frankincense
5 drops Copaiba
top off with Witch Hazel

how to use it:
After you wash your face, spritz on a few pumps of the diy facial toner all over your face and pat dry. Then apply a facial serum or moisturizer of your choice.

I hope you try this! I’ll be back with a DIY Face Serum.

More Natural Living Posts:

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5 Easy Swaps For A Low Tox Home

What are 5 easy swaps for a low tox home? Navigating the world of natural living doesn’t have to be hard. There are many simple changes or swaps you can slowly make along the way. There are definitely huge health benefits by doing these five and you can start slow so it’s sustainable.

easy swaps for a low tox home

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

There are so many synthetic chemicals in our environment. It’s hard to remove everything so by being conscious about what you use in your home and on your body, you can improve your mind, body and planet.

Are you ready to make some easy swaps for a low tox home? Here’s are a few easy ones!

5 Easy Swaps For A Low Tox Home

Swap Plastic for Glass and Stainless Steel

easy swaps for a low tox home

Plastics contain BPA and phthalates which are endocrine disruptors – chemicals that can enter the body through food and personal care products and interfere with hormones our body produces. Keep in mind that BPA-free products still leach chemicals having significant levels of estrogenic activity. (Environmental Health) If you have to use plastic, don’t heat it or let it touch your food.

What I use: glass food containers, oven safe containers, water bottles and mixing bowls

Swap Non Stick for Cast Iron and Stainless Steel

non toxic cookware

The coating on nonstick cookware releases toxic chemicals into the air and food. They’re called PFAS “forever chemicals” and they’ve been linked to cancer, liver damage, infertility, asthma and thyroid issues. We only use cast iron and stainless steel pots and pans. Some other good options are ceramic and glass. Be careful of other accessories like deep fryers, baking sheets, rice cookers, and crockpots because they could also have that same nonstick coating.

What I use: stainless steel pot, pan set and cast iron pan

Swap Dryer Sheets for Dryer Balls

non toxic dryer sheet replacement

Photo by Sana Saidi on Unsplash

This one is a very easy swap and it saves you money. Commercial dryer sheets contain quaternary ammonium which make clothes feel soft but are known to trigger asthma and may be toxic to the reproductive system, as well as fragrance, preservatives, and colorants. (EWG) Plus what are they made of? I also know they’re not 100% natural like cotton or linen, so that means you’re also adding synthetic material into your hot dryer as well.

You can use wool dryer balls on their own or add essential oils if you’d like a nice added scent that’s natural plus they help aerate the clothing while it’s turning in the dryer.

What I use: wool dryer balls and essential oils (lemongrass and purification)

Swap Commercial Cleaning Supplies for Thieves Household Cleaner

Most commercial cleaners are filled with toxic chemicals. Those that claim to be green, eco friendly or natural are greenwashed. If you look at the ingredients list you’ll most likely see fragrance or parfum. Common fragranced products emitted hazardous air pollutants and can trigger adverse health effects like skin issues, migraine headaches and respiratory difficulties. (National Library of Medicine)

I found the perfect solution which is an all natural plant based cleaner. It’s so concentrated that I only use a capful along with a few simple ingredients to make my own specific cleaners. I have a lot of DIY’s with this cleaner that I’ll write about soon.

What I use: glass spray bottle, thieves household cleaner, baking soda, and lemon essential oil

Swap Candles for Diffusing Essential Oils

If you like to make your home smell good with scented candles you should know that they may use synthetic fragrances and dyes that give off dangerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air and carcinogens. Over all they have a negative impact on your home’s indoor air quality. Some severe health issues caused by soot particles: allergies, asthma, respiratory infections, heart attacks, strokes, and cancer. (National Library of Medicine)

What I use: aria diffuser, and essential oils (citrus fresh, sacred mountain, and gentle baby)

There you have it! Just a few easy swaps for a low tox home. Remember you don’t have to swap everything all at once. That will be overwhelming and unmanageable.

Are we hanging out on instagram yet? if not, I’m @hellojenneng. Come say hi and let me know you’re coming from my blog.

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welcome!

in the kitchen

Hi I’m Jenn. I’m starting this blog because I know how overwhelming social media can be with all the quick little snippets of info so I want to slow it down and have this space to share more in depth on the things I’ve learned, am still exploring and some homemaking things. I may throw in a bit of our homeschooling journey as well.

in the kitchen
my boy and I in the kitchen
we try to spend a lot of time outside #1000hoursoutside

Here are some things about me and what you can expect in this space:

  • I’m a stay at home wife and mama.
  • we’ve been semi low tox and eco conscious for years.
  • I became a first time mom at 40.
  • my passion grew on holistic living and conscious parenting.
  • we lived in a one bedroom apartment in New York City three blocks north of Central Park, so that was like our back yard.
  • we transitioned from city life to country living in December 2020.
  • we live simply in Pennsylvania on 4 acres in a 1900’s Colonial Cottage surrounded by beautiful mountains and lakes.
  • our home definitely needs a lot of fixing up but we’re taking it slow. Living in it as it is so we can figure out the best solutions.
  • with our move, my baby becoming a toddler and a loss in the family I was dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety which I didn’t know I had.
  • I started using essential oils for home cleaning, emotional and wellness support while discovering what a huge issue greenwashing was.
  • I run a bag making business part time and of course caring for our home, land and homeschooling our little boy is my full time job.
  • we are learning how to tend our land, grow vegetables, fix up our home and embrace slow living.
our home
our home the first day we moved in
barn
our barn

I’m truly so glad you’re here!

We have a lot to figure out with this old house, transitioning to this semi country living, raising our little boy and still trying to be creative. I hope you come back and join me on this adventure. I’ll be sharing things on natural living, homemaking, making things by hand and keeping my small business running.

If we’re not hanging out and chatting on instagram yet? I’m @hellojenneng. Come say hi and let’s connect, tell me you’re coming from my website.

jennifer Avatar
jennifer
hello! i’m jenn I’m so glad you’re here! Join me as I share how we live more naturally, homemake simply and create handmade things in rural PA. I can go on and on about homeschooling and self healing; our mind, body and home. So let’s be friends already!!