If you’re considering buying a home in a community governed by a Homeowners Association (HOA), you’re not alone. HOAs are common, offering a structured community environment with shared amenities and well-maintained surroundings. However, navigating life with an HOA can come with its own set of challenges and benefits. Here’s a handy guide to help you make the most of your HOA experience.
"Naturally Clean: DIY Recipes for a Home that Smells Amazing"
Check out the world of sweet-smelling cleanliness with my video on homemade cleaners powered by essential oils!
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the harsh chemicals lurking in traditional cleaning products, fret no more. Here is a natural, effective alternative that not only leaves your home sparkling but also fills it with delightful aromas.
I was introduced to essential oils by a member of my church. Since being introduced I have gone on a hunt for different ways to use essential oils. Here are some of the best recipes I have found and these are my personal favorites
Citrusy All-Purpose Cleaner
Get ready to infuse your home with the zesty freshness of this Citrusy All-Purpose Cleaner! This powerhouse blend not only leaves surfaces sparkling but also fills the air with invigorating citrus scent.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 15 drops of lemon essential oil for a burst of refreshing zest
- 5 drops of sweet orange essential oil to tackle grease with its uplifting aroma
- 5 drops of rosemary essential oil, renowned for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties
- 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar to cut through grime
- 1-1/2 cups of filtered water for a gentle yet effective cleaning solution
Simply combine all these ingredients using a funnel into a spray bottle, seal it tightly, and give it a gentle shake. While there may be a brief skirmish of scents as the vinegar asserts itself, fear not! The citrusy, herby zing of the essential oils prevails, leaving behind a fresh and revitalizing ambiance.
And don’t let the delightful fragrance fool you—these oils are more than just aromatic. Lemon oil naturally disinfects, sweet orange oil effortlessly busts through grease, and rosemary oil adds an extra layer of antibacterial and antiseptic power. So, with each spritz, not only are you cleaning, but you’re also enhancing the health and vitality of your home. Cheers to a cleaner, brighter space!
Lemon-Scented Window Cleaner
Elevate your window cleaning routine with this refreshing Lemon-Scented Window Cleaner! With just a few simple ingredients, you can achieve streak-free, crystal-clear glass surfaces while infusing your home with the invigorating aroma of lemon.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar to dissolve dirt and grime
- 2 cups of filtered water for a gentle yet effective cleaning solution
- 10 drops of lemon essential oil to add a burst of fresh citrus fragrance and harness its natural antibacterial properties
Combine all these ingredients in a spray bottle and give it a gentle shake to mix. Then, simply spritz onto any glass surface and wipe away with a microfiber cloth for sparkling panes and mirrors in no time.
But the benefits don’t stop there! The wonder of lemon essential oil goes beyond its delightful scent. As you clean, it works tirelessly to eliminate bacteria left behind by mucky fingerprints, leaving your windows not just clean, but also sanitized and fresh.
So, bid farewell to smudges and streaks and say hello to a brighter, healthier home environment with this Lemon-Scented Window Cleaner. Cleaning has never smelled so sweet!
Eucalyptus Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Revitalize your bathroom cleaning routine with this invigorating Eucalyptus Toilet Bowl Cleaner! Infused with the crisp, refreshing scent of eucalyptus, this powerful formula not only leaves your toilet sparkling clean but also fills the air with an uplifting aroma.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 25 drops of eucalyptus essential oil for its delightful fragrance and natural germicidal properties
- 1/3 cup of Castile soap to cut through grime and grease effectively
- 2 cups of filtered water to dilute the solution
- 1-1/3 cups of baking soda to deodorize and scrub away stains
Start by filling a squeeze bottle with the filtered water, baking soda, and eucalyptus oil. Seal the bottle tightly and give it a good shake to ensure thorough mixing. Then, add the Castile soap and shake again to incorporate.
Squeeze the cleaner around the inside of the toilet bowl, ensuring complete coverage. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes to penetrate and loosen any stubborn stains. Afterward, simply scrub with a toilet brush, flush, and voila! You’re left with a sparkling clean toilet and a bathroom filled with the delightful scent of eucalyptus.
But the benefits don’t end there! Eucalyptus oil’s natural germicidal properties ensure that not only is your toilet clean, but it’s also free from harmful bacteria and germs, promoting a healthier environment for you and your family.
So, say goodbye to harsh chemical cleaners and hello to the natural freshness of this Eucalyptus Toilet Bowl Cleaner. Cleaning your toilet has never been so refreshing!
Lavender Thyme Dish Cleaner
Here is an aromatic and effective Lavender Thyme Dish Cleaner, a powerhouse blend of essential oils and natural ingredients to conquer grease and grime with ease.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 20 drops of lavender essential oil for a soothing and floral aroma
- 10 drops of thyme essential oil, along with 5 drops of tea tree essential oil, to combat bacteria and leave behind a refreshing scent
- 1 cup of filtered water to provide the base for your cleaner
- 1 cup of liquid Castile soap for gentle yet effective cleaning action
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda to enhance scrubbing power and neutralize odors
To create this magical potion, start by bringing the water to a boil on your stovetop. Once bubbling, carefully add in the essential oils, letting the delightful scents permeate the air as they work their antibacterial magic. Slowly incorporate the liquid Castile soap and baking soda, stirring gently to ensure thorough mixing.
After removing from heat and allowing it to cool, pour the mixture into a convenient squeeze bottle. Before each use, give it a gentle shake to reinvigorate the ingredients.
Now, say goodbye to tough grease and hello to sparkling dishes infused with the calming essence of lavender and the invigorating scents of thyme and tea tree. With this Lavender Thyme Dish Cleaner by your side, cleaning up after meals becomes a joyous and aromatic experience.
Peppermint-Lavender Floor Cleaner
Check out this refreshing and effective Peppermint-Lavender Floor Cleaner, a natural solution to keep your floors sparkling clean and your home smelling delightful.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 5 drops of peppermint essential oil for a refreshing and invigorating aroma
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil to impart a soothing and floral scent
- 5 drops of tea tree essential oil for its powerful antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal properties
- 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar to cut through dirt and grime
To prepare this cleansing concoction, simply pour the distilled white vinegar into a bucket and fill it with hot water. Then, add the essential oils, allowing their invigorating scents to infuse the solution.
This versatile cleaner is suitable for use on a variety of surfaces including stone, tile, and wooden floors. As you mop away, rest assured that the peppermint oil not only fights bacteria but may also act as a natural deterrent against pests like mice.
The inclusion of tea tree oil adds an extra layer of defense, ensuring your floors are not just clean but also free from harmful bacteria and fungi. Meanwhile, the lavender oil’s antibacterial properties and calming aroma create a serene atmosphere, enveloping your home in a sense of tranquility.
With this Peppermint-Lavender Floor Cleaner, cleaning becomes more than just a chore—it’s a sensory experience that leaves your floors gleaming and your home smelling divine.
Lavender Linen Spray
Check out this Lavender Linen Spray, the perfect way to add a touch of tranquility to your bedtime routine and refresh your linens with the soothing scent of lavender.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 drops of lavender essential oil for its calming and floral aroma
- 2 tablespoons of witch hazel to help disperse the essential oil evenly
- Filtered water to dilute the mixture
To create this luxurious spray, start by adding the lavender essential oil and witch hazel to a spray bottle. Give it a good shake to ensure the oils are well mixed with the witch hazel. Then, top off the bottle with filtered water and shake again to combine all the ingredients.
Now, you’re ready to indulge in the ultimate relaxation experience. Simply spritz this Lavender Linen Spray onto your pillows, sheets, or even in your bedroom for an instant burst of calming fragrance. Let the soothing aroma of lavender envelop you, easing away the stresses of the day and promoting a peaceful night’s sleep.
With this Lavender Linen Spray, bedtime becomes a blissful retreat, and every moment spent in your bedroom is infused with the serenity of lavender. So go ahead, spray away, and drift off into dreamland surrounded by the gentle scent of relaxation.
Cinnamon-Sandalwood Air Freshener
Check out this invigorating Cinnamon-Sandalwood Air Freshener, a natural solution to eliminate odors and create a harmonious atmosphere in your home.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 10 drops of cinnamon essential oil to infuse your space with a warm and stimulating aroma, known for its ability to boost brain power
- 10 drops of sandalwood essential oil for its calming and grounding properties, perfect for relieving stress and tension
- 1 cup of filtered water to serve as the base of your air freshener
To prepare this delightful blend, simply fill a spray bottle with the filtered water and add the drops of cinnamon and sandalwood essential oils. Give the bottle a gentle shake to ensure the oils are evenly dispersed in the water.
Now, with just a spritz of this subtle-yet-effective scent, you can erase stinks in seconds and transform your home into a sanctuary of relaxation and productivity. The warm and spicy scents of cinnamon uplift the senses and sharpen focus, while the soothing scent of sandalwood envelops you in a sense of calm and tranquility.
Feel free to customize this air freshener to suit your preferences by experimenting with different essential oils. Just remember to keep the quantities the same to maintain the potency of the blend. Whether you’re looking to energize your space or unwind after a long day, this Cinnamon-Sandalwood Air Freshener is the perfect choice for a hardworking, stressed-out home.
These quick, wallet-friendly recipes harness the potent properties of essential oils to combat grime and bacteria without the need for harsh fumes.
I hope that these DIY cleaning and air freshening recipes offer a natural and aromatic alternative to conventional products for you.
I love the idea of utilizing the power of essential oils to clean, sanitize, and refresh my home.
From sparkling surfaces to tranquil spaces, I think that these easy-to-make solutions will leave your living environment both immaculate and inviting.
Please remember just like adjusting spices in your favorite recipe, you have the freedom to tailor these potions to your personal scent preferences.
It is my wish that with these homemade recipes, your home will not only shine but also radiate a sense of tranquility and well-being.
Real Estate News & More
Navigating the world of home financing can be complex, especially when deciding between a mortgage broker and a mortgage banker. Understanding the distinctions between the two can help you make an informed choice that best suits your financial needs and goals.
As the effects of climate change continue to intensify, the repercussions are reverberating throughout various sectors, including the home insurance industry and the broader U.S. housing market. With each passing year, extreme weather events fueled by climate change are leaving an indelible mark on the affordability and availability of home and fire insurance across the nation.
Both pre-qualification and pre-approval help you see what your mortgage could look like and estimate how much house you can afford, but they have some important differences.
Local Market Reports
Whittier
Los Angeles
Orange County
I met Mr Hyde in 2017 while searching for someone to help my sister in law who was in a financially challenging position
I was referred to Lamont Hyde from a neighbor of mine who had used him to purchase her home a few years back. My mother had past away a few months
My wife & I never thought we could afford to own our home. We were currently living with my mother since being married 8 years ago.
