Welcome back to our kitchen! Today, we’re making a refreshing raw vegan apple cider vinaigrette that’s not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Apple cider vinegar can aid digestion, support weight loss, and help regulate blood sugar levels.

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These zucchini noodles are great no matter what time of year it is. Enjoy them as a refreshing side while grilling in the summer or let them satiate you as a nutritious entree during the fall. The spiralized zucchini noodles are tossed with fresh herbs, garlic, seasonings, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil, in which they marinated for a little while before serving. Marinating the zoodles helps to intensify the flavors and make the raw vegan entree that much more enjoyable.

In order to make this recipe, you need a spiralizer. You can use a handheld one, but the type with the hand crank is a little more durable and reliable. Once you have your zucchini noodles, place them in a bowl and toss with a couple pinches of sea salt. Allow them to sit like that for about 30 minutes, as this process helps to draw out the water. Naturally, while the zoodles are sitting in that bowl, you can prepare the marinade by mixing all of the ingredients together in a bowl. After those 30 minutes are up, drain the salty water and gently squeeze out the excess water from the zucchini noodles. Pat dry with paper towels.

Once your zucchini noodles are dry, you can transfer them to an airtight container with the marinade, mix well, and keep them in the refrigerator for an hour or so. You can also let them marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes and then enjoy. Although it may not seem like it, these noodles are actually quite delicious when served cold. You can even keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days!

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As a child, your parents tell you to clean your room or take care of other household chores. When you graduate to adulthood, the cleaning doesn’t stop. The only difference is that you don’t have someone bribing you with an allowance to clean your space. If you decide to have kids of your own, you will likely find out that they aren’t so neat. The moral of the story: the cleaning cycle never ends. 

We don’t mean to sound like defeatists, but cleaning is a part of life. If you are a maker of messes, you have to know how to clean up properly. If you clean up after your kids, you may want to consider using natural cleaning products, as the harmful chemicals in commercial products may be dangerous to young ones. You can also reduce your own risk of chemical exposure by switching to all-natural cleaning products that you make yourself. 

Why Make Your Own Natural Cleaner?

First of all, it can be very difficult to create or find an all-purpose and all-natural cleaning spray. Maybe you experiment with a concoction of your own, only to find that it really doesn’t do much. The cleaning power of the all-purpose cleaner in this recipe uses essential oils, borax, vinegar, and castile soap to help remove grime, soap scum, and everyday dirt. 

Making your own cleaner takes less than a minute, and you can save money in the process. It is eco-friendly and free of the toxins found in many conventional household cleaning sprays. Plus, you can customize the surface cleaner by adding different essential oils that work for you. 

Borax

You can incorporate borax into an all-purpose cleaning spray and use it on countertops, appliances, and windows. Some people find that it is highly effective at removing tough stains, dust, and food residue. You can often combine borax with water, shake it up, and pour in a spray bottle for use. In the case of this all-purpose cleaner, you combine it with other ingredients for safe and effective cleaning. If you are weary about using borax, you can always omit it from the recipe. 

Essential Oils

First of all, not all essential oils are created equal. There are many essential oils out there, but a lot of them are not pure essential oils. That means that other ingredients are added, so you won’t get the maximum benefits. When making a cleaning product, make sure to add your essential oils last to the spray bottle. Oils and water don’t mix well, so make sure to give your bottle a good shake prior to use. 

Washing Soda

Washing soda is different from baking soda. Baking soda is usually used alongside detergent to help get rid of stains or foul odors. It is usually gentler than washing soda, so it is not as efficacious. Washing soda is like a more amped-up version of baking soda that does a better job of removing stains and brightening colors when doing laundry. If used in excessive amounts and too frequently, though, it can be harsh on certain materials, specifically fabrics. 

Natural All-Purpose Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon borax
• 1 teaspoon castile soap
• 1/2 teaspoon washing soda (not baking soda)
• 4 drops lemon essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops orange essential oil
• 2 cups distilled water

Instructions:

• Place the borax, castile soap, washing soda, and essential oils in an amber glass spray bottle.
• Pour in the distilled water until the glass is nearly full. Make sure to leave room for the sprayer to slide into the bottle. 
• Screw on the lid, shake well, and use as needed. It is great for bathrooms, kitchen, or even on toys.

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Say goodbye to leafy greens for a minute, but don’t forget about them completely. Leafy green are integral to a healthy diet, as they provide nutrients that encourage optimal overall health. Ever salad, however, does not require leafy greens, and this recipe is one of those salads. Corn is a classic summer produce item that is quite versatile. You can grill it, sauté it, steam it, or boil it and add it to salads, stir-fries, fried rice, and other dishes.

Although corn is the primary ingredient for this recipe, the dressing is the real star of the show. Vibrantly green and herbaceous, this dressing contains mint, cilantro, red wine vinegar, olive oil, sea salt and pepper, and a touch of agave nectar for sweetness. This kiss of sweetness from the agave helps to balance the intensity, acidity, and brightness of the other ingredients. The mint really shines through and complements the corn, sliced green onion, and vegan feta cheese.

Just as a quick note, this salad is not cleanse-approved. First of all, it contains corn and uses red wine vinegar. Some people may call those ingredients “acceptable cheats” while cleansing, but a definite “no” is the vegan feta. There are several varieties of vegan feta, but Follow Your Heart makes an excellent one that tastes like the real deal. Try it for yourself and let us know! This will be a hit at your next summer potluck!

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If you can make a homemade rendition of a store bought classic, then you should absolutely do that. By making the homemade version, especially a salad dressing, you save yourself from all of the sodium, added flavors, unhealthy fats, and added sugars in store bought dressings. The great thing about this homemade Italian dressing is that it uses olive oil, not hydrogenated vegetable oils that increase the risk of heart disease. Add in the vinegar, garlic, and other seasonings and you have yourself an award-worthy dressing!

Unlike some other dressings that we’ve posted previously, this recipe does not require a blender. Grab the ingredients, a jar, and your best shaking skills, and you have yourself a dressing that is ready to go in five to 10 minutes. If using raw garlic cloves, we encourage you to use a microplane or garlic press. That will prevent your dressing from having large garlic chunks if your knife skills are not incredible. If you do not want to use fresh parsley, you can opt for dried parsley, but reduce the amount from 1/4 cup fresh parsley to 1 tablespoon dried parsley.

Unlike store bought dressing, this homemade Italian dressing does not keep fresh in the fridge for months, even years. This dressing will keep fresh in the fridge in an airtight jar or container for two to three days. It may separate, so make sure to give it a good shake to combine the ingredients before dressing your salad. You may love this version so much that you abandon store bought versions for good!

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Clarifying is a process of deep cleaning the hair and scalp. It does not have to be difficult; rather, it is a simple process that calls for all natural ingredients. During this process, you use a clarifying shampoo or product to help remove dirt, product buildup, and other impurities on the hair and scalp. By breaking down all of this grime and buildup, you can assist the follicles with hair growth and encourage healthier hair. 

What Is Clarifying Shampoo?

This is a specially designed shampoo that aids the removal of dirt and product buildup on the hair and scalp. To be clear, clarifying shampoo is not a substitute for regular shampoo. That means that you should not use this daily, or even weekly. In fact, you should only use a clarifying shampoo once a month. In extreme cases, you can use it once a week. The clarifying shampoo in this article should be used when you have excess oils and residue on the scalp. 

It is very easy to develop product buildup on the hair and scalp, especially if you closely examine your hair care routine. Do you use moose, gel, hair spray, oils, masks, and more on your hair? What ingredients are in your hair care products? Over time, these things can build up on the scalp and negatively affect your hair. Chelating shampoos or hair clarifiers contain surfactants that remove impurities, cut grease, and residue left from hair products. Clarifying shampoos can also restore damaged hair from heat treatments, coloring, or perms. 

How Do You Make Clarifying Shampoo?

If you take a look in your pantry or cupboards, you probably have the few simple ingredients required to make a clarifying shampoo. One of the ingredients, which has many uses outside the kitchen, is baking soda. When you dissolve baking soda in water, you have the perfect clarifying shampoo. It can effectively remove oils, product buildup, and soaps, leaving your hair and scalp clean and healthy.

The second ingredient, which you undoubtedly have if you have used our cleanses, is apple cider vinegar. This powerful product is a common ingredient in hair rinses because it works to regulate pH levels. Some anecdotal reports suggest that apple cider vinegar may also reduce dandruff, remove product buildup, and reduce split ends. 

Homemade Clarifying Shampoo vs. Conventional Clarifying Shampoo

Essentially, a homemade clarifying shampoo and conventional clarifying shampoo serve the same purpose, which is to remove buildup from the hair and scalp. You can think of these shampoos as traditional shampoos on steroids. Homemade clarifying shampoo uses minimal ingredients and has the least amount of negative effects on the hair and scalp. Conventional clarifying shampoo can contain harsh, synthetic ingredients that dry out the hair and scalp of necessary oils, especially if you overuse it.

Homemade Clarifying Shampoo With Baking Soda

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water (warm water helps baking soda dissolve more quickly)
• 3 drops essential oils of choice
• 2 tablespoons baking soda

Instructions:

• Pour the water into a small bowl and drop in the essential oils. Mix well. 
• Add the baking soda to the water and stir with a spoon until the baking soda is completely dissolved. 

How To Use:

• When your hair is wet, distribute the shampoo evenly across the hair and scalp. Allow it to sit for five to 10 minutes and then rinse with warm water. 
• Follow up with a hair conditioner.

Homemade Clarifying Shampoo With Apple Cider Vinegar

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (with the “mother”)
• 1-2 cups warm water (use more for thicker and longer hair)

3 drops essential oils of choice

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a spray bottle, secure the lid, and shake well to combine.

How To Use:

• While your hair is wet, generously spray the mixture all over your hair and scalp. Use your hands to massage it into the scalp and hair strands. 
• Allow it to sit for three to five minutes before rinsing with water. Follow up with a natural conditioner if you wish.

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When you have a lot of rosemary on hand, you cannot simply make roasted chicken and potatoes for every meal. You can add rosemary to stocks, soups, or infuse it into oil, but eventually, you will tire of the herb’s flavor. Too much of a good thing is real…or is it? When you no longer want to enjoy rosemary in culinary applications, use it to make nourishing products for your skin and hair. 

Why Should You Use A Facial Toner?

Facial toner works to remove traces of grime, dirt, and impurities that remain in your pores after you wash your face. Adding a toner to your daily skin care routine can have a positive impact on the overall appearance and tightness of your pores. Turning back the hands of time? Although it isn’t the anti-aging secret of the century, facial toner does help to restore the skin’s pH balance, creating a smoother appearance and tone. 

Everyone can benefit from using facial toner, but people with oily or acne-prone skin benefit a great deal. The reason for this is because toner goes the extra mile to clean the gunk out of those pores. If you have acne-prone skin, though, consider a toner that contains salicylic acid. People with oily skin may benefit from toners that help to balance oil production. Continue reading to learn more about the ingredients in this homemade toner and how they benefit your skin. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a common ingredient in many DIY face washes, acne spot cleansers, and toners. At this time, there isn’t sufficient research or scientific evidence to support the use of apple cider vinegar for facial skin care. That said, there are many anecdotal reports that suggest it works wonders for the skin. Apple cider vinegar works to remove excess oil, dirt, and other debris from pores. When incorporated into a toner or cleanser, apple cider vinegar can aid your skin-cleansing efforts. Because it is an astringent, apple cider vinegar lends itself to toners, creating more even skin tone and tighter pores. 

Rosemary

Rosemary, specifically rosemary oil, acts as a refreshing astringent that helps to balance skin tone. Topical application of this oil can help decongest oily skin types and acne-prone skin, while simultaneously maintaining the skin’s balance. The antimicrobial properties of rosemary help to invigorate the skin and increase circulation to the skin’s surface, contributing to a more youthful glow. Rosemary works to hydrate the skin and control oil production, while also providing antibacterial properties that help to keep breakouts at bay. Additionally, the use of rosemary oil on the skin has been associated with less flaking and dryness. It is a common ingredient in skin care products because it encourages healthier skin tissues. 

Homemade Facial Toner With Rosemary

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

• Combine the water and rosemary in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer until the liquid has reduced by half. 
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the liquid to cool before straining it through a fine mesh strainer and into a glass jar. 
• Pour in the apple cider vinegar and mix well to combine. 
• When ready to use, shake well to combine, dip a cotton ball or pad in the mixture, and gently pat your face with it to apply. 
• Leave for a minute or so and then follow with your favorite moisturizer.

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If you’ve perused the skin care aisle at any drugstore, you’ve seen bottles of toner. Typically a lightly-tinted or clear liquid, toner is a curious skin care product for many people. There are quite a few misconceptions about its purpose as well. Your reason for using toner depends on the type of skin you have. We are big fans of toner and what it can do for your skin. In this article we will explain how a toner benefits the skin, in addition to providing simple recipes for every skin type. 

What Does A Face Toner Do?

Simply put, toner removes any traces of dirt, impurities, or grime that remain in your pores after cleansing. When you incorporate toner into your skin care routine and use it regularly, you can improve the tightness of pores and overall appearance of skin. Toner also works to restore the skin’s pH level and smooths it out by refining any rough patches. 

Ideally, you want the skin to be at its natural pH as much as possible. The skin has an acid mantle, which is a protective layer on the surface, and it should sit around 5.5 pH. That is slightly acidic, but that is where the skin can function its best and renew itself. That said, toner doesn’t just help to balance the skin’s pH; rather, it also aids with: 

• Hydrating the skin: Spritzing toner on the skin helps to replenish moisture, but make sure to use it before moisturizing the skin.
• Helping other skin care products sink in: Toners help prepare your skin to optimally absorb other products in your skin care routine.
• Removing leftover dirt: Toners act like second cleansers, removing the remains of makeup and general grime that don’t get picked up when you wash your face. 
• Making the skin appear smoother: Apply toner with a cotton round to remove the buildup of dead skin cells, which can make the skin appear smoother. 

How To Make Your Own Toner

It is very easy to make a simple DIY toner for every skin type. If you’ve been looking for a simple toner that doesn’t upset your skin type, consider the following two-ingredient recipes. Let us know if one works for you in the comments below. 

Toner For Sensitive Skin

One of the best ingredients for sensitive skin is rose water, which exhibits powerful antioxidant properties that balance the skin. Rose water also replenishes the skin with moisture and offers soothing properties, making it great for those with sensitive skin. Because of its gentle nature, rose water makes for a great DIY toner. 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dried rose buds
• Hot filtered water

Instructions:

• Pour the hot water over the rose buds (enough to submerge them) and allow them to sit for one to two hours. 
• Use a strainer to separate the rose buds from the rose water. Pour the strained rose watering a spray bottle and use when needed.
• Ideally, spritz your face with this rose water twice a day after cleansing. Just store it in the fridge and use it within seven to 10 days. 

Toner For Dry Skin

If you have dry or dull skin, toner can help provide hydration. In the case of this recipe, the rose water helps to soothe the skin and even out skin tone. 

Ingredients:

• Rose water (see above recipe)
• Geranium essential oil

Instructions:

• Use the above recipe to make the rose water. Add three to five drops of geranium essential oil to the rose water and shake to combine. 
• Make sure to shake the bottle before each use. Store in the refrigerator and use within seven to 10 days. 

Toner For Oily And Acne-Prone Skin

Green tea, just like rose water, is rich in powerful antioxidants. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness and acne. The apple cider vinegar works to restore your skin’s pH level back to normal. 

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup steeped green tea
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

• After you steep the green tea bag in hot water, allow the tea to come to room temperature before discarding the tea bag. Pro tip: place the tea bag on your eye if you need to reduce puffiness. 
• Pour the green tea and apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle, screw on the lid, and shake to combine. 
• To apply, you can either spritz the toner on your face or apply it to a cotton round and gently pat your face. Store it in the fridge and use it within 10 days.

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Spring is the perfect season to enjoy as many fresh ingredients, and new ingredients, as many new produce items are available. As you known, we love to eat with the seasons! That’s why we’ve paired this green goddess dressing with juicy tangerine, creamy avocado, and a crisp bowl of spring mixed greens.

Green goddess dressing has seen a large increase in popularity due to social media food videos. After people see how easy the dressing is to make, in addition to how nutritious it is, they want to make it. Although green goddess recipes vary, the general recipe calls for a lot of fresh herbs, lemon juice, oil, vinegar, and seasonings. In the case of this recipe, we abandoned the raw vegan nature and went straight to veganism. Why is that? Well, we decided to use vegan yogurt to enhance the creaminess of the dressing. Besides that yogurt, everything else in this recipe is raw vegan. Should you choose to eliminate the yogurt, the dressing will still taste great, but it won’t be as creamy.

Spring mixed greens offer a variety of lettuces that are harvested in early spring. Typically, the mix includes spinach, red leaf lettuce, and romaine lettuce, but varieties can vary by brand, location, and availability. Eating a mixed bag of greens like this is a great way to get your daily dose of leafy greens. Plus, you don’t have to worry about chopping a head of lettuce if you use this bag, and that’s one less thing to prep!

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According to a 2023 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 90% of Americans don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables. To avoid being a statistic, you buy fruits and vegetables and plan to eat them, but something happens: they go bad before you get the chance to use them. You throw out your produce and don’t even bother to compost because it’s too upsetting to throw money down the drain. 

One report found that about 25% of American families throw away one quarter of the food and beverages they buy. Fruits and vegetables comprise 22% of that, while processed produce (canned fruits and vegetables) contribute another 8% of waste to landfills. We don’t say all this to make you feel guilty; rather, we want to help you make the right changes to keep your produce fresh for longer. 

The primary reason people throw their produce away is because they lack the proper storage knowledge. If you do not store your fruits and vegetables properly, they can spoil easily. Do those greenish-yellow bananas you buy turn brown quickly? Do your herbs turn slimy and brown? What about those cucumbers or apples? If you want to stop throwing your fruits and vegetables away, learn from the following tips. 

Limp, Slimy Lettuce

Big heads of lettuce in the grocery store inspire large bowls of salad and optimal health, as they should. The problem is that storing your lettuce improperly can cause those crispy leaves to become soggy, slimy, and limp. Moisture in the fridge causes most fruits and vegetables to lose their crisp texture and go bad. One way to counteract this is to line your fridge’s vegetable drawer with paper towels or terry-cloth towels. In doing so, the towels absorb excess moisture and keep produce, like your lettuce, crispier for a lot longer. The same rule applies for those bagged salads or tubs of greens!

Sprouting Potatoes

If you are tempted to buy the 10-pound bag of potatoes to save some money, make sure that you store them properly if you aren’t going to use them right away. Potatoes start to sprout more quickly if you keep a large bag on hand. To keep your spuds from sprouting, store them in a cool, dry place with as little moisture and sunlight as possible. Some people have had great success keeping potatoes fresh by throwing an apple in with the potatoes, but some experts warn against this. The reason not to do that is because apples emit ethylene, which can encourage sprouting. 

Mushy, Brown Bananas 

Like apples, bananas emit ethylene gas to ripen themselves. Some people swear that wrapping the top of a banana bunch with plastic wrap delays the ripening process, but that doesn’t solve the issue. Ethylene is produced throughout the banana, not just the stem. The best way to store bananas is to hang them on a hook, so that they get plenty of air circulation. Additionally, don’t store them near apples because the ethylene from apples will cause bananas to ripen more quickly. 

Slimy Mushrooms

Mushrooms are great vegetables that can make their way into myriad dishes, unless they become slimy and unappetizing. To avoid a slimy, mushy mess, make sure that you do not store mushrooms in plastic bags. Plastic traps moisture, which causes mildew and mushy mushrooms. Keep mushrooms in a paper bag so that they can breathe and moisture can escape. If you don’t have paper bags, keep mushrooms fresh by keeping them in their original packaging, but poke holes in the plastic to allow ventilation.

Rubbery Celery

Celery can become tasteless if you allow it to go from crispy to rubbery. You can, however, lengthen its time in the fridge if you store it properly. Experts encourage you to separate, wash, and dry the stalks before wrapping them in aluminum foil. That keeps most of the air and moisture in, while still allowing the ethylene gas to escape. If you store celery in a plastic bag, the moisture stays in the bag, which can accelerate the ripening process and turn your celery rubbery. 

Moldy Berries

Berries can be quite pricey, especially if they are not in season. To ensure that you don’t waste your berry money, protect them by giving them a bath in water for 10 seconds. What about soaking them in a vinegar bath? Well, that can leave a vinegar residue and cause your berries to taste unappetizing. Hot water can inhibit mold growth, according to research. The last step is to make sure that your berries are completely dry before storing them in the fridge. The hot water bath and proper drying before fridge storage can help extend their ripeness.

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