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What’s Really in Your Toothpaste? + A Natural DIY Recipe That Works

We all use toothpaste daily, but have you ever flipped the tube and looked at the ingredients? While the promise is fresher breath and fewer cavities, many mainstream brands contain chemical additives that may do more harm than good over time. Here are five common ingredients to avoid:

Triclosan – An antibacterial agent linked to hormone disruption and antibiotic resistance. Though banned from soaps, it still appears in some toothpastes.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) – A foaming agent that can irritate gums and contribute to mouth ulcers.
Artificial Sweeteners – Saccharin and aspartame may affect your gut and metabolism over time.
Propylene Glycol – A synthetic chemical also found in antifreeze. It may cause skin or gum irritation with long-term use.
Artificial Dyes – Blue 1 and Red 40 may look appealing but offer no dental benefit and have been linked to behavioral and allergic reactions.

Your mouth is one of the most absorbent parts of your body. What you put in it matters. If you’re looking for a clean, safe, and effective alternative, skip the store and try this:


Simple Homemade Toothpaste Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp organic coconut oil
  • 1 tbsp baking soda
  • 10–15 drops peppermint essential oil
  • 1 tsp xylitol powder (optional)
  • A pinch of sea salt (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
  2. Store in a small glass jar. Use a clean spoon or spatula to scoop a pea-sized amount onto your toothbrush.

3 DIY Remedies for Seasonal Allergies (That Actually Work)

Spring might bring blooming flowers and warm sunshine, but for allergy sufferers, it also delivers itchy eyes, sneezing fits, and never-ending congestion. While over-the-counter meds can help, many people want faster, more natural relief. 

The good news? Easy DIY remedies can ease symptoms and help you breathe easier—even on high-pollen days. Here are three you can try.

1. Sinus Rinse with a Homemade Saline Solution
Flushing out allergens from your nasal passages can provide almost instant relief. You only need salt, baking soda, and distilled or previously boiled water. Mix three teaspoons of iodide-free salt with one teaspoon of baking soda and store the blend in an airtight container. When ready to rinse, mix one teaspoon of the dry mixture with 8 ounces of warm, sterile water. Use a soft rubber bulb syringe or neti pot to irrigate each nostril gently. This helps remove pollen, reduce mucus, and soothe inflammation in the sinuses.

2. Allergy Tea with Local Honey
Sipping on warm herbal tea can help calm irritated airways and ease congestion. Try brewing tea with peppermint, ginger, or chamomile—all known for their anti-inflammatory properties. For added allergy-fighting power, stir in a spoonful of local honey. While research is ongoing, many believe local honey may help your body adapt to regional pollen, reducing sensitivity over time. At the very least, it soothes the throat and adds a sweet, natural flavor.

3. Steam Showers to Clear Congestion
After spending time outdoors, hop into a warm shower and let the steam work its magic. Moist heat helps loosen mucus, open airways, and relieve sinus pressure. It’s a simple, relaxing way to reduce allergy discomfort, especially before bed.Your DIY Allergen Defense Plan
Natural remedies offer real relief, but prevention goes a long way, too. Change out of outdoor clothes, wash your face and hands, and keep windows closed during high-pollen days. These easy, consistent habits—paired with the remedies above—can make allergy season much more manageable.

Making Your Own Protein Powder Is Easier (and Cleaner) Than You Think

Why spend big bucks on protein powders packed with fillers, sweeteners, and mystery ingredients when you can make your own in minutes? DIY protein powder is incredibly easy to whip up and a smart way to keep things clean, simple, and tailored to your body’s needs.

Most store-bought powders rely on protein isolates, stripping away valuable nutrients like fiber, healthy fats, and essential minerals. But when you make your own from whole foods like seeds, legumes, and nuts, you keep all the good stuff intact. You get protein plus iron, magnesium, omega-3s, and antioxidants — without unnecessary additives or gut-wrecking emulsifiers.

You only need a blender or food processor, a few bulk-bin staples, and five minutes. That’s it. No fancy equipment, hidden sugars, or artificial flavors — just real food. You can tweak it however you want: add cocoa for flavor, turmeric for inflammation support, or skip sweeteners altogether. It’s your call.

Here’s a simple base recipe:

DIY Protein Powder (Yields ~2 cups / 16–18 servings):

  • ½ cup dry roasted edamame
  • ½ cup raw pumpkin seeds
  • ½ cup hemp seeds
  • ¼ cup chia seeds
  • ¼ cup ground flaxseed
  • ¼ cup almond flour

Grind the edamame and pumpkin seeds to a fine powder. Add everything else and pulse to combine. Store in a sealed jar for up to a month (longer in the fridge).

With about 8–10 grams of protein per serving, this blend is perfect for smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt. It’s clean, easy, and cost-effective—that’s the DIY way.

High Butter Prices? Make Your Own with Just One Ingredient

The cost of high-quality butter is climbing.​ As of January 2025, the average price for standard stick butter in the United States was approximately $4.91 per pound. 

High-quality or artisanal butters typically command higher prices, especially those imported or produced using traditional methods. For instance, Kerrygold Grass-Fed Salted Pure Irish Butter is priced at $4.77 for an 8-ounce package, equating to about $9.54 per pound. 

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Top Small Greenhouse Projects to Do While You Have Some Extra Time

Many novice (and experienced) gardeners are intimidated by the idea of a greenhouse. Its time to stop putting it off and tackle this essential, practical garden staple once and for all. While you are still working from home, or have a little extra time due to canceled social engagements, use this opportunity to accomplish these small greenhouse projects and make your yard space even more valuable and usable.

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Make Your Very Own Living Picture with Succulents (Here’s How)

There’s no conversation piece quite as great as a living succulent frame. Your guests will be raving about your DIY craft project, and it will provide a stunning element for your interior decor. Even though it may seem trickly, putting together a succulent frame is incredibly easy if you follow these 8 simple steps.

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How to Make Your Own Lightweight Garden Pot

If you are like me, you enjoy creating things that you can use in your garden. There is one project that I simply love to undertake. That is the making of hypertufa pots. These pots are not only fun to make, but they are unique, lightweight, and immensely practical. They are wonderful for displaying rock-garden plants or succulents. 

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How to Throw the Perfect Succulent Planting Party

Succulents are all the rage these days and with good reason. They are cute, colorful, and full of interesting texture. They are easy to work with and make the perfect live addition to any indoor or outdoor space. Their versatility means that they can be incorporated into any style from rustic to modern and dressed up or dressed down. If you have not had the opportunity to host a succulent party for friends and family, now is a great time. Here are some tips to ensure that your planting party is a huge success!

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How to Make an Outdoor Bubbler Water Feature

Water features can add a lot to any backyard space or garden. They can create an aura of tranquillity on a soothing, atmospheric patio, or bring a unique flair to your garden oasis. While ponds, water fountains, and other more extensive water features are impressive, the cost and time involved can certainly add up. This simple bubbler water feature is budget-friendly and can be assembled in an afternoon. Plus, it is highly customizable and can be personalized to fit your individual style. Here’s how to make an outdoor bubber water feature in just 7 easy steps.

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