"31 Days of Living Well and Spending Zero" Blog and an All Purpose Cleaner

I found a great blog today called “Living Well Spending Less” and the author lays out a one month challenge for her readers called “31 Days of Living Well and Spending Zero.”  She offers great advice, daily blog posts, great perspective and reflection on what she is learning, and a lot of printables and cleaning/organizing goals along the way.  I think there is something for everyone to take from a challenge like this, wether you choose to participate or just read about it.  I am exited to take on the challenge one (at least!) month during 2014.  I hope you’ll check it out or take the challenge, and see what you can live without that you never thought you could.  

In the spirit of the "31 Days of Living Well Spending Zero" challenge and the cleaning that she includes in her challenge, I am adding a long overdue recipe to my “Beyond the Kitchen” series.  This time it’s for an all purpose surface cleaner that can be used to on countertops, sinks, toilets, showers, etc.  It is safe enough to use around your home and family, as all the ingredients are natural. It takes only a couple minutes to make and it costs pennies per bottle.  Here it is:  

Two parts distilled white vinegar

One part water

One teaspoon pure castile soap (lavender and tea tree work well)

10 to 15 drops of your favorite essential oil (lemon, eucalyptus, tea tree, and lavender all have cleansing properties)

Mix in a spray bottle and spray directly on dirty surfaces.  Wipe with clean, dry cloth.

Notes: The castile soap may leave the spray looking cloudy- that’s totally normal and won’t be an issue.  The vinegar smell may seem strong at first, but you’ll get used to it after using the spray for a couple weeks. 

Thanks for reading, and I hope all of you $100-A-Month challengers are having a great first month!