Natural Inspirations

COVID-19

Safe Cleaning Solution Combinations

Healthy Habits, Home Care, CleaningBrooke Ekelund1 Comment


MIXING CERTAIN CLEANING SOLUTIONS CAN BE DANGEROUS.



Due to increased public concern for COVID-19, cleaning supplies have been flying off the shelves left & right. It’s incredibly important to keep your environment clean. We want to make sure you do this safely.



HERE ARE PRODUCTS THAT YOU SHOULD NEVER COMBINE.



Isopropyl Alcohol + Bleach

It’s literally … chloroform.

Risks include damage to the nervous system, eyes, skin, lungs, kidneys & liver. High levels of these chemicals may result in death.

Vinegar + Bleach

This combination creates toxic chorine & chloramine vapors.

Risks include chemical burns & irritation to the eyes & lungs.


Hydrogen Peroxide + Vinegar

Creates parecetic acid.

High concentrations of these two chemicals may irritate skin, eyes, nose, throat & lungs. It also has the potential to become a corrosive substance.

Ammonia + Bleach

Creates toxic chloramine vapors.

Risks include respiratory damage & eyes, nose & throat burns. Has the potential to form hydrazine (an explosive chemical compound).


Do not to mix drain cleaners

As some are alkaline & others are acidic. The combination of the two creates a lot of heat which can result in damage to PVC pipes or extremely high pressures that can burst pipes.

Baking Soda + Vinegar

No real risks in combining these two, other than the potential mess… But Baking soda & Vinegar essentially neutralize each other. Resulting in an ineffective cleaning formula.


If you are unable to find cleaning supplies at your grocery stores, we urge you to try some holistic, home-made cleaning solutions. While it may not be the most convenient, they are great temporary alternatives. You probably even have some of the necessary ingredients in your pantry!


Step 1.

Combine One part White Vinegar, One part Water, Lemon Rind and Rosemary Sprigs.

Step 2.

Once done, you can use the natural solution to remove hard water stains, clean trash cans, wipe away wall smudges & whatever else your heart desires.

Step 3.

Besides a fresh scent, the lemon rind may actually help boost cleaning power.

Caution: Do not use acidic cleaners on granite, as they will etch the stone.

The original recipe and article can be found here.


Social Distancing 101

Healthy Habits, COVID-19Brooke EkelundComment


WHAT IN THE HECK IS SOCIAL DISTANCING?



dontpanic_message_board.jpg

WHAT IS SOCIAL DISTANCING?

Put simply, the idea is to maintain a distance between you and other people — in this case, at least six feet.

That also means minimizing contact with people. Avoid public transportation whenever possible, limit nonessential travel, work from home and skip social gatherings — and definitely do not go to crowded bars and sporting arenas.

Other measures include working from home if possible, organizing meetings via video calls rather than doing them in person and avoiding unnecessary use of public transport.

It is also recommended that you avoid physical contact with others in social situations, including handshakes, hugs & kisses.



THE BASICS.



SHUT OFF THE NEWS

If you've been glued to your screens for the latest COVID-19 updates, this is for you. Taking a break from the stream of negative reports can help reduce stress and anxiety and give your brain room to for positive thoughts and ideas.


FOR EMBRACING YOUR INNER CHILD: This adult coloring book


DO HOME PROJECTS

There always seems to be something to do around the house. Kick those ideas and plans into gear with some time at home! Home projects can be anything from remodeling, to building some new furniture. No matter what plans you have, now is the perfect time to get a jumpstart!


BINGE ON FAVORITE SHOWS

Now is the perfect time to get caught up on your favorite shows.

Some of our favorites:

  • Grey’s Anatomy (Netflix & Hulu)

  • Parks and Recreation (Netflix)

  • Breaking Bad (Netflix)

  • Westworld (HBO Go/Now)

  • Supernatural (Netflix)

  • This is Us (Hulu)

  • Weeds (Netflix)

  • Unbreakable Kimmi Schmidt (Netflix)

  • Bates Motel (Netflix)

  • The Good Place (Netflix)

MOVE AROUND AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

Self-isolating doesn't mean sitting around on the couch all day. Thanks to YouTube, Pinterest, and other sites, you can get a thorough workout from home. (Health also has plenty of free, no-equipment fitness videos, too.) Just 30 minutes of any kind of heart-pumping workout can significantly reduce stress and it'll also make you feel busy and accomplished.

exercise_bike.gif

SPRING CLEANING

Thursday is the official start to spring, which means some spring cleaning is never a bad option! Clean out the garage, closet attic or whatever else needs a little refresh!


CATCH UP ON SLEEP

You read that right! Trying to get those recommended 8 hours of sleep can be difficult between work, school , kids and whatever else life throws at you. Being home allows you to take those guilt-free and much needed naps to get get yourself feeling your best!


FOR WHEN YOU’RE FEELING NOSTALGIC:
A stunning photo book

artifact-uprising_photo-book.jpg

KNOCK OUT SOME TO-DOS ON YOUR LIST

Sitting in front of the TV for days and binging on HBO will probably make you stir-crazy. A better way to stay active and focused? Get on that to-do list you've been putting off forever.


GET SOME FRESH AIR

Get outside and enjoy some fresh air! It is important to keep a safe distance of 6 feet if you are walking with a buddy, but don’t let that stop you from getting your blood circulating and enjoying the outdoors.

There is plenty of opportunity to walk or even take a hike.


FOR TAKING SELFIES WITH YOUR PUP: This Shark Tank product


Back to baking

Grab that mixer and take your mind into the kitchen to bake up some delicious cookies, cupcakes and more! Now is the perfect time to try out those recipes you haven’t had time to get to.


Arts and Crafts

Not just for the kiddos. Stocking up on supplies for some DIY crafting is a great at-home plan! Creating a space for you to get creative and let your imagination flow can be a great way to keep busy.



GOT KIDS? HERE'S SOME FUN WAYS TO KEEP THEM BUSY.



  1. Go for a walk or a hike.

  2. Go for a bike ride.

  3. Go outside, no matter what the weather. If it's nice outside, play catch or hide-and-seek.

  4. Movie theaters are limiting the number of tickets they sell in order to practice good social distancing, but with DisneyPlus, Netflix and Amazon, you have plenty of options at home. Make it even more fun by making some special treats to share.

  5. Speaking of special treats, get your kids in the kitchen. You'll be making lots of meals while at home, so why not let the kids share in the "fun?" Give them the run of the pantry and fridge. Do give a few limits though. Like they have to have at least one healthy item.

  6. For the past decade, the Racine Art Museum has invited artists to make their best creations out of marshmallow Peeps. Check out the photos for inspiration, and make your own.

  7. Hand over your phone to let the kids take photos of the signs of spring they see popping up around the neighborhood.

  8. Let the kids collect a few of those signs of spring they see — dandelions, blades of grass, flowers if they're on your property — and make a nature scrapbook out of them.

  9. Fly a kite.

  10. Set up a tent in the backyard.

  11. Dig into those toys, puzzles and games that have gotten buried under beds, in basements and at the bottom of toy boxes. You might find some treasures that will fill up some of those hours. If not, set them aside to donate.

  12. Bubbles are fun for all ages. You can go old-school and just blow some bubbles in the backyard. You can get a hula hoop and a wading pool and make some giant ones.

  13. Grab blankets, chairs and pillows and build a fort.

  14. Make a homemade pinata out of papier mache, fill it with candy and break that thing open.

  15. Start cleaning up your yard and planning any gardening projects. If you have seeds on hand, start planting when the weather cooperates.

  16. Kids love acting, singing and putting on shows, especially if they have an audience. Be that audience; karma will reward your sacrifice.

  17. Comic books and graphic novels are mainstream nowadays. And they're a great way to encourage your kids to read. When they've gotten some inspiration through reading some of their favorites, encourage them to make their own.

  18. You may not be able to visit your favorite paint-your-own pottery place, but you can find some old mugs or bowls to have the kids paint at home.

  19. Clean out your closet. But hold off on the donations. Let your kids play dress-up for a few weeks. If they lose interest, that's cool. That's the time to donate. Otherwise, let them keep a few favorites for their dress-up collection.



STAY CALM.



Stay calm, stay sane. Hopefully we will get through this soon.

Keep your hands clean, moisturized & off your beautiful face!

Hand Care, Healthy Habits, COVID-19Brooke EkelundComment
Washing-hands_Sink.jpeg


WASH OFTEN TO STAY HEALTHY.



You can help you & your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often (and washing them well), especially during these key times when you are more likely to spread germs.

These key times include:

  • Before, during & after preparing food

  • Before eating food

  • Before & after caring for someone at home who is sick

  • Before & after treating a cut or wound

  • After using the toilet

  • After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet

  • After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing

  • After touching an animal, animal feed or animal poo

  • After handling pet food or pet treats

  • After touching garbage



WASH YOUR HANDS THE RIGHT WAY.



Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another & throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities & hospitals.

Follow these five steps every time.

  1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap & apply soap.

  2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers & under your nails.

  3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.

  4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

  5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.


CDC recommendation:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

washing-hands-animation.gif



USE HAND SANITIZER WHEN YOU CANT USE SOAP & WATER
(GOOD LUCK FINDING IT).



Hand-Sanitizer_application.jpeg

Washing hands with soap & water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap & water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Check if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label.

Sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs in many situations. However,

  • Sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs.

  • Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

  • Hand sanitizers might not remove harmful chemicals like pesticides & heavy metals.

How to use hand sanitizer

  • Apply the gel product to the palm of one hand.

  • Rub your hands together.

  • Rub the gel over all the surfaces of your hands & fingers until your hands are dry. This should take around 20 seconds.


How to Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer

If you can’t purchase hand sanitizer because it’s all sold out, you can make your own at home. It will also require a trip to the drug store (or your favorite online marketplace) to pick up a few ingredients. “Recipes” for your own hand sanitizer may vary slightly. The most important thing to remember is you need to create a mixture that’s at least 60% alcohol.


INGREDIENTS

  • 91% or higher isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) or ethanol alcohol

  • Aloe vera gel or glycerin

  • Essential oils (optional)

  • Bowl and spoon

  • Storage bottle or container

  • Funnel (optional)


Step 1.

Combine ⅔ cup of 91% or higher alcohol with ⅓ cup of aloe vera gel or glycerin in a bowl and stir until blended.

Getting your ratios right in this step is critical. By combining two parts of 91% or higher alcohol with one part softening agent, you’ll land at about 60% alcohol content in the final product. Hand sanitizer that’s less than 60% alcohol will not be effective.

You can also increase the alcohol content to about 68% by combining ¾ cup of 91% or higher alcohol with ¼ cup of aloe or glycerin. Aloe or glycerin helps prevent the alcohol from drying out your skin.

Step 2.

Optional: Add 5-10 drops of essential oils to reduce the smell of alcohol.

If you’re sensitive to the strong smell of alcohol, you can add several drops of essential oils to your hand sanitizer. Do not add too much essential oil or you will dilute the alcohol content of your sanitizer below the 60% alcohol threshold. It’s important to note the active ingredient here is the alcohol, not the essential oils.

Step 3.

Bottle your hand sanitizer mixture.

Once your hand sanitizer is mixed and complete, pour the mixture into a container or bottle for use. You can purchase an empty bottle with a squirt top or pump from your local drug store or recycle a washed-out hand sanitizer bottle. If you have a funnel on hand, it can make it easier to pour the hand sanitizer into your storage containers. Once it’s bottled, your hand sanitizer is ready to use!

The original recipe and article can be found here.



DON'T FORGET TO KEEP MOISTURIZING.