Reusing an item means it is purchased specifically to be used for the same purpose over and over again. For example, a reusable water bottle can just be refilled every day for work.  ​There are so many reusable items out there today that it can be almost dizzying to think about and to choose from!  My advice is if it is simple to use and maintain, then go for it! Some reusable items are not simple and therefore may not work for you, and that is O.K. so long as you are consciously making informed decisions.
​

Reusable Items
These reduce the need to buy something over and over again thereby eliminating or decreasing the amount of household waste!  They save you money and help the Earth!

• Reusable Water Bottle- just refill and take everywhere you go! Try to choose one that contains no BPA and is good for the environment at the same time!
• To Go Travel Mug for Coffee or Tea - just fill it at home or at the local convenience store like you would a Styrofoam cup (and pay of course!). Check out this crochet cozy that fits on the Dunkin' Donut reusable to-go cup!
• Wool Dryer Balls - eliminates the need to buy dryer sheets forever!
• Cloth Napkins - no need to waste paper every day and they make the table look pretty. You can use the same napkin several times before washing  so long as they are not dirty and so long as they are color coded or have names on them!
• Refillable Soap Dispenser - allows us to by large quantity refills.  We use them in the bathrooms and the kitchen.
• Small 10 oz Thermos - I fill it with V-8 and bring it to work every day.
• Large 24 Thermos - my husband brings boiled water to work every day to make his oatmeal on the go!
• Spray Bottles - we just re-make the cleaners in the same bottles when we run out (recipes here)
• Coffee Filter Basket - stop buying paper filters!
• Swifter Sweeper Covers - make your own homemade sweeper cover! 
• Swifter Duster Covers - make your own homemade duster cover!
• Reusable Elastic Bowl Covers - don't buy plastic wrap! Buy them or make your own homemade bowl covers!
• Bamboo Paper Towels or Cotton Cloths - skip the paper towels!
• Eco Friendly Dish Cloth - no more disposable sponges! Or make your own homemade crochet dishcloth here!
• Eco Friendly Dish Scrubber - no more throwaway scrubbers! Make your own crochet scrubby here!
• Reusable Grocery Tote Bags - I bought a set of 5 extra large and love them!
• Reusable Handwarmers - are you or do you know a hunter or hiker? Check out how easy Reusable Handwarmers are to use!​

Take a look at this Reusable Pictorial Post!

​Check out our other Recycling Posts:

• ​RECYCLING PART I - AT HOME BASICS - How to recycling glass, cans, paper etc. at home.
• RECYCLING PART II - ODDBALL ITEMS - Recycling strange things like wires, cd's, and more.
• RECYCLING PART III - SELLING & DONATING - Where to sell or donate instead of throwing out.
• RECYCLING PART IV - REPURPOSING - What else can it be used for?

And check out our Pinterest Boards:

• Recycling (different ideas on what, how, and where to recycle)
• Selling & Donating (find ideas and places to sell and donate all kinds of items!)
• Repurposing (a plethora of unique and creative ideas...)
• Reusable Items (includes many products you may not have heard of before!)

Thank you for visiting :-)
Sincerely,

After a four day migraine last week I ended up using all of my remaining headache blend so I needed to make more and I thought I would share the blend with anyone out there who suffers like I do. It is also great for anyone who suffers from stress headaches and/or allergy headaches too! All I do is rub this on my temples for some well needed relief before the headache reaches monumental proportions.  It doesn't cure a really bad migraine or headache that is well underway, but it certainly helps.

See below for purchasing ingredients and supplies through our affiliate links.

*NOTE: the Birch oil in this recipe contains the same ingredient as in Aspirin and therefore should not be used in conjunction with anything containing Aspirin or Ibuprofen!
Please note that essential oils for home health DO NOT replace a doctor or modern day medicine.   However, some can definitely be used to supplement, or, in the case of minor medical issues, be used instead of pharmaceuticals.  

Always use common sense and seek the advice of a medical professional before making any major medical decisions. 

Thanks for visiting!  

Check our our other Essential Oil Remedies & Recipes and our Essential Oils Etc. Pinterest Board for other great uses!

Sincerely,

Thank you to my good friend Vicki for sharing this wonderful idea with me!  
This cowl is super simple to make and looks great on! What a great winter accessory. I love wearing mine with simple matching long sleeve t-shirts from Amazon.
The buttons are carved from coconuts which makes it even better!
The yarn is Loops & Threads Charisma - a nice soft somewhat bulky yarn made for scarves.  It is also machine washable and dryable!

Supplies:

• ​4.5 mm crochet hook
• 2 skeins of Loops & Threads Charisma yarn - a nice bulky yarn that is machine wash and dribble!
• Yarn needle
• scissors
• Three 1.75" coconut carved buttons available on Amazon (see link at bottom of page)

Pattern:

• Chain 21
• Rows 1 - 42: single crochet in second chain from hook. Continue for a total of 20 across. Turn, chain 1, and repeat for a total of 42 rows (more or less depending upon how long  you want it).
• Finishing: At the end of the last row, single crochet 2 more times in the corner (total 3), then 42 sc down the side, two more (total 3) in the corner, then sc 19 more, then 2 more in the corner (total 3) then 41 down the final side (sides may vary depending upon how many rows long you made the cowl). Knot off and weave all loose ends.
• Add buttons - buttons are decoration only and are sewn through both ends of the cowl creating a loop that goes on over the head.

Super simple!

Thanks for visiting!
Check out our other FREE crochet patterns here!
We have some great Crochet Boards on Pinterest too!
Sincerely,