R-E-C-Y-C-L-E!

So where I live up in the middle of no where, we sadly do not recycle. It breaks my heart to see all of the milk jugs, glass jars and newspaper get thrown into the dump. After visiting my parents for two weeks in Florida and seeing what kind of recycling program was put in place, I decided to change things in my own household. I went out and bought a small trash can. I researched on where I could drop off my cardboard, plastics, glass and newspaper and stumbled upon this for recycling in Rapid City. I understand that the cities require a large amount of money to put such programs in place. Rapid City already has a recycling program, it just hasn't extended to out outer skirts just yet. So I'm doing everything I can to recycle until they put it in place. I encourage you, if you don't already recycle, to think about it. Just take a moment and think about the amount of things in your garbage you can recycle and think about how long it's going to sit in the landfill.

Homemade Bath Salts

While I was at the store purchasing the products for my laundry soap, I decided to pick up some Epsom salt and try my hand at bath salts. Since I already had the essential oils, I thought, what the heck? I picked up a 12 pack of the pint sized Mason jars for $10. It was really easy to do and a lot cheaper than the ones they sell at the store!! I paid $2 for a bag of Epsom salts and I didn't have to buy the essential oils again. There are many uses for each of the products that I've purchased. Looking forward to my next project.

Homemade Laundry Soap

So after being on vacation and countless hours on Pintrest, I've discovered there ARE ways to save money around the house. I found a really simple and easy laundry soap recipe. I found most things at Wal Mart at reasonable prices. I got a bar of Fels-Naptha for $1.50, a box of Borax for $3.50, a box of Washing Soda for $3.30 and a gallon bucket for $2.00. I also went by my local health store and picked up a bottle of lavender $7.00 and a bottle of eucalyptus $4.00. I took everything home and followed the directions. Luckily, I picked up a 12 pack of quart size Mason jars for $10. I filled up every one of them, plus an empty Tide container, a large empty salsa container and a gallon zip lock bag. Although I have some leftover commercial detergent, I wanted to try my new creation. I have since used my home made soap for all of my laundry. Everything comes out smelling so nice and soft. I will never go back to using commercial detergent.

My first step into the world of being green

A couple of months ago my friend and I were talking about alternatives to using tampons and pads. She told me about how she's been using a reusable device for years, which not only was healthier for her, but also better for the environment and a money saver.The reusable silicon cup she was referring to is the Diva Cup. A little hesitant about using it, I researched it and pondered it for a month. I decided this would be a good move because to save money. I am a full time nursing student and work part time and am not able to bring in as much money to help support my family. So I bucked up and spent the $40 at my local health store. I can honestly say it was one of the best moves I've made. 2 months later, I'm still in love and so is my wallet.