Time to Clean the Oven

Every 3 months I like to rip my oven from the wall and give it a good talking to.  Well, more like a good cleaning, but this cleaning time was a bit more tedious than it had been before.

I have been traveling a lot lately and 3 months for the oven cleaning just didn't fit into my schedule this past 9 months, so it had been awhile since I gave the ole' oven a good cleaning inside, out, and underneath.  But, the job did get done this past weekend and it looks a whole lot better.

Behind and underneath the oven was a bit embarrassing.  Not sure how it gets like this, but over the course of 9 months I guess it's possible. 

We vacuumed underneath and behind the oven.

Cleaned the side walls.  This house is pretty old, so any type of cleaner out on the cabinets and the floor has to be nonabrasive so it doesn't "eat" away at the finish.

Terrible!

And the cleaning began!

I CAN NOT stand the smell of oven cleaner nor do I allow such horrible cleaners into my home, so we used J.R. Watkins All Purpose Cleaner for the entire oven (inside and out), but there are many other cleaners on the market that can give you just the same amount of cleaning power without the harsh chemicals.

I made the boys get in and help me too!

The Magic Eraser works wonders on all things sloppy with the oven.

Even the vent on the back was dirty.  *hangs head in shame*

When we were all finished........

.....We stood back and were pleased.  Now it's time to go out and look for a new oven.  :-)

    

Green Tea: Great for your skin

I've been an avid green tea drinker for the longest time and I always seem to drink about 5 cups a day out of habit.  Green tea has been one of the most popular teas drank worldwide because it goes through a minimal processing.  The minimal process is a good thing because of all the beneficial antioxidants (polyphenols) the tea still contains once it's steeped into your hot cup of water.  The great tea has been proved to help ward off certain types of cancer, help with glucose levels with Type 2 Diabetes, and green tea can also boost your metabolism and encourage weight loss.  (1 to 3 cups daily is recommended)

Green tea isn't only great internally, it is also a great thing to use externally too.  It can be used to soothe sun burns, insect bites, and even puffy eyes due to lack of sleep or allergies.  Furthermore, green tea is great for the skin.  It helps improve your skin tone and texture.

Pour your daily cup of green tea, steep, and then drain the tea bags.

Save the tea bags in a small, air-tight jar in your refrigerator and use every night before bed to help rejuvenate your skin while you sleep, or use every morning after a hot shower to help tone the skin for the rest of the day. 

To get the added benefits of green tea, look for cosmetics with green tea added.  Or just add green tea leaves or liquid straight to your current cosmetics.  

Or try this recipe to make your own green tea facial cream:

• 2 tbs. Shea butter (1 tbs. for oily skin)

• 1 tbs. bees wax

• 1 tbs. coconut oil

• 1 tbs. cocoa butter

• 3 green tea bags 

• 1 cup of water

• Green tea essential oil (optional)

Steep green tea bags in the water and allow to cool completely.  Meanwhile, melt together the Shea butter, bees wax, coconut oil and cocoa butter in a double boiler.  Remove from heat and add the green tea and whisk.  Allow to sit for about an hour till a thickness begins to form and begin whisking vigorously until desired thickness is achieved.  Add your oil at this time and whisk together.  Place face cream into an air tight, dark tinted container and use nightly before bed.  

To purchase face cream already made please visit BeeSpa.