Whether sitting outdoors or relaxing in your home, keep bugs away with this natural bug repellent that really works. From dissuading mosquitoes to interrupting an ant invasion, this bug spray is made from ingredients that are all-natural and safe. Instead of smelling harsh chemicals, you'll waft a lovely scent at your next outdoor gathering while staying bite-free. And after picking up the main ingredients, this repellent costs less than a $1 per bottle to make.
If you have wood floors, then you know that keeping them clean and glowing can be a challenge. From streaky cleaners to ones that leave a waxy buildup, finding the perfect cleaner for your hardwood floors that isn't harsh or filled with chemicals can be costly. Instead, toss together this eco-friendly homemade wood-floor cleaner that will wash your floors for only pennies. Spray directly on wood floors, make the cleaner in a bucket, or pour over cotton clothes to make reusable floor wipes. Plus, this floor cleaner isn't harsh on hardwoods and cleans without leaving unwanted streaks or waxy residue.
I adore my weekly trip to the health food store, but lately I've been coming back having spent way too much money. With a few bucks and some extra time in the kitchen, you can whip up your favorite healthy foods. In addition to saving dough, they'll taste tons better because they're made with love. Read on for some of our favorite DIY health food recipes!
Everyone loves getting gifts, especially when they're homemade. A flair of DIY shows the recipient that you put a little extra thought and care into their gift, not to mention a little elbow grease! Ready to get crafty? We've rounded up handful of healthy gifts for the holidays.
Save yourself a few extra dollars by making your own energy bars at home. Veronica Bosgraaf, founder of wildly popular Pure Bar, shared this easy recipe for her dessert-like fruit and nut bars. Packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants, these bars are a great way to satisfy a sweet tooth — minus the guilt! Best of all, they're vegan, gluten-free, and require absolutely no cooking.
Satisfy hunger and eat less by choosing snacks packed with fiber and protein. Since healthy snacks aren't always cheap, here are some recipes you can whip up in the kitchen. You'll help keep money in your wallet while also whittling your waist!
Source: Flickr User jamieanne and Flickr User franksteiner
Summertime is vacation time! If you're heading to the airport any time soon, along with your bikini and flip-flops, be sure to pack some snacks. Since airport food is notoriously pricey and unhealthy, bringing food along will save you money and unwanted calories.
Eating before and during your flight will maintain your metabolism and can help prevent the dizziness and headaches sometimes associated with flying. Snacking will also keep your energy levels up (and your crankiness levels down) so you won't have to dose up on caffeine, which tends to make jet-lag symptoms worse.
Grab some Ziploc baggies and make these 100-calorie snack packs prior to boarding the plane:
I'm a huge fan of Lärabars, but at $1.50 a pop, I can't afford my addiction. Plus each one is around 200 calories, which is slightly high when noshing on one for just a snack.
Check out these simple instructions on how to create your own dried fruit and nut bars. You'll not only save money, but since these bars are slightly smaller, they make the perfect 150-calorie snack or dessert. These bars are made with almonds, dates, and raisins, but you can get creative and experiment with different nuts and dried fruits. I can't tell you how addicted I am to these bars!
If healthy cooking is one of your goals for 2012, be sure to enter to win a Magimix food processor and a year's worth of Kind bars.
Everyone loves receiving gifts, especially when they're homemade! And luckily you still have time to whip up these simple homemade presents for the folks still on your list. A DIY gift shows the recipient that you put a little extra thought and care into his or her gift — not to mention a little elbow grease. Ready to get crafty? We've rounded up a half dozen healthy gifts for the holidays.
For the Health Foodies
 Whole Wheat Biscotti |
 Cinnamon Sugar Toasted Almonds |
 Personalized Granola |
For the Fitness Freaks
 iPhone Arm Band |
 Upcycled-Jeans Yoga Mat Bag |
 Homemade Headband |
Are you giving any homemade holiday gifts this year?
If you have short hair or short layers that won't stay back in your ponytail, a headband is a must when working out. You can spend $12 on a good one, but you can also make one for yourself (or your fit friends and relatives) for under $2 and in less than 15 minutes. Keep reading to learn how.
