By Wendy

With most baking recipes, cakes, cookies or cupcakes, there’s always a need for vanilla extract. And if you’re an avid baker, that little bottle you buy at the store runs out pretty quickly. So instead of finding yourself in mid-baking mode without your much needed vanilla extract, why not make a homemade batch in your own kitchen. All you need is a few ingredients and less than 5 minutes. The hard part will be waiting to taste the homemade goodness.

Making your own vanilla extract is definitely less expensive than purchasing a bottle at the supermarket. You can also spice up your homemade vanilla extract by customizing it with other flavors of vodka. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the intense flavors you’ll get from soaking your own vanilla beans in your choice of alcohol. And it’s eco-friendly!

What you need:

4 ounces of vodka

1 vanilla bean split down the middle

What to do:

Put ingredients in a bottle and seal for 4 to 8 weeks

Note: the longer you let the vanilla beans soak in the alcohol, the stronger the flavor.

If you’re new to DIY projects, this would be an easy one to start with. And it makes a great gift for your fellow bakers. Can’t wait to taste my very own homemade vanilla extract. Only a few more weeks to go!

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Wendy Yu is a digital marketing professional living in New York City. When she’s not using the power of social media to share ideas on how to be more environmentally friendly, she is exploring the city, trying local foods, and learning more about how she can reduce her carbon footprint.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Green Halloween® or our partners.

By Wendy

There are so many household & carpet cleaner. being sold these days that are loaded with strong, artificial colors and fragrances and harsh cleansing agents like bleach, ammonia, and acids; as well as unneeded antibacterial ingredients like pesticides that can potentially make bacteria even stronger. So why not make your own all purpose household & carpet cleaner. Making your own will let you cut out all the unnecessary toxic and environmentally polluting ingredients.You can also contact professional painters and decoratorsif you need help, and if you need your cabinet painting there are specific services for this.

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What you need:

½ cup vinegar

¼ cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax)

½ gallon water

What to do:

Combine all ingredients

If you don’t have time to make your own household cleaner, try one of these natural household cleaning products that are less harmful to the environment.

CitraSolv Natural Multi-Purpose Cleaner- CitraSolve all purpose cleaner is not only made of naturally derived products ideal for using on many surfaces. It’s also made with environmentally conscious packaging

green works All Purpose Cleaner- 97% naturally derived, this all purpose cleaner is tough on grease, grime and dirt. And it comes in original and lemon scents

Just Natural & Co. All Purpose Non Toxic Cleaner- Just Natural & Co all purpose cleaner is chemical free, soy based cleaner that’s safe to use all around the house

Mrs. Meyers Clean Day All Purpose Cleaner- this earth friendly all purpose cleaner will clean kitchens, bathrooms and ever other room in your home

Seventh Generation Free & Clear All Purpose Cleaner- Seventh Generation creates all types of household and personal care products that are good for your family and the planet. This all purpose cleaner will help get those tough stains out

Ausan Natural All Purpose Cleaner- this all purpose cleaner has ingredients that will naturally remove dirt and grime on any surface

what-EVER! Natural All Purpose Cleaner- gluten free and hypoallergenic, this all purpose cleaner is safe for waterways and marine life

So whether you create your own all purpose cleaner or buy a natural all purpose cleaner that is safe for the environment, you’ll be helping your family and the environment.

What is your go to all purpose cleaner?

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Wendy Yu is a digital marketing professional living in New York City. When she’s not using the power of social media to share ideas on how to be more environmentally friendly, she is exploring the city, trying local foods, and learning more about how she can reduce her carbon footprint.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Green Halloween® or our partners.

By Wendy

What did you do this 4th of July?

Since grilling is one of my favorite things to do during the summer, of course we grilled up a storm here! It’s a way to not only cook healthy food quickly, but it’s also a great way to bring people together. Our grill usually consists of hotdogs and hamburgers but how do you incorporate healthy fruit and vegetables into the grill menu that everyone will enjoy? Here are some great recipes that will have everyone reaching for second helpings. Try one of these healthy recipes for main entrees, side dishes, or desserts any day of the week. They’re all quick and easy to make on the grill.

1- Grilled Vegetable and Hummus Sandwiches- quick and easy to make, these grilled vegetable and hummus sandwiches will have any hummus lover wanting more

2- Grilled Vegetable Pizza- pizza is one of my favorite foods. The pesto sauce really makes this grilled vegetable pizza something different. Top it off with some goat cheese and you have something magical

3- Vegetable Char-Grilled Shish Kabobs- these Vegetable Shish Kabobs will be a hit with everyone in the family. Anything cooked on a stick is delicious in my book

4- Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Honey-Lime Ginger Dressing- sweet potatoes are great cooked on the grill. Add the dressing on, and you’ll have a delightful side dish

5- Grilled Portobello with Mozzarella Salad- portobello’s are such a meaty vegetable, your guests will love it in this Grilled Portobello with Mozzarella Salad

6- Grilled Corn on the Cob with Lemon-Basil Butter- corn on the cob is essential to any grill. They’re easy to make, and the kids love them

7- Grilled Baby Eggplants with Moroccan Topping- think out of the box with this Grilled Baby Eggplants with Moroccan Topping recipe. It’ll give your meal the spice it needs to liven up your dinner party

8- Grilled Peach Melba- who says you can’t use the grill to cook every meal. For you peach lovers, try this Grilled Peach Melba recipe

9- Grilled Banana Split Sundae- bananas are high in potassium which can keep blood pressure low, reduce the risk of kidney stones, and promote bone health. With all these great health benefits, you can really enjoy this desert

10- Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Vanilla Yogurt Dip- pineapples are a great treat to enjoy by itself or with yogurt and ice cream. Try this Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Vanilla Yogurt Dip recipe for a light dessert for those hot days

How do you like to grill your vegetables?

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Wendy Yu is a digital marketing professional living in New York City. When she’s not using the power of social media to share ideas on how to be more environmentally friendly, she is exploring the city, trying local foods, and learning more about how she can reduce her carbon footprint.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Green Halloween® or our partners.

By Wendy

We are always looking for healthy and delicious snacks to give our family. So why not make these yummy granola bars. They’re not only good for you but also easy to make and pack as snacks wherever you go. And it takes minutes to prepare! What you need:

Dry Ingredients:

1 2/3 cups of rolled oats

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3 cups of dried fruits and nuts

1/3 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup honey

1/3 cup creamy peanut butter

6 tablespoons melted butter

1 tablespoon water

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

What to do:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place all the dry ingredients to a large bowl and mix them together.

In a separate microwave safe bowl, combine the wet ingredients and microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds.

Pour wet ingredients into the large bowl of dry ingredients and mix until the wet ingredients are distributed all through the dry ingredients.

Put the mixture into a shallow, lightly greased pan. Spread and flatten it out in the pan and place in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until edges begin to brown.

Take out from the oven and let it cool. Cut into approximately 16 bars. Wrap granola bars separately for easy grab and go treat!

What is your favorite granola bar recipe to make with the kids?

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Wendy Yu is a digital marketing professional living in New York City. When she’s not using the power of social media to share ideas on how to be more environmentally friendly, she is exploring the city, trying local foods, and learning more about how she can reduce her carbon footprint.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Green Halloween® or our partners.

Lemon and orange slices exfoilate and polish your skin naturally!

Make sure you hit your T-zones! Your forehead, your nose, and chin to soak up oils.

Mix Egg, milk, and Honey for an easy, breezy face recipe!

One of the best ways to start the New Year is by refreshing your skin during the winter months when skin becomes dull, dry, and often tired looking from rounds of Christmas and New Year’s parties.  Here are three easy recipes for taking care of your largest organ that will cost you practically nothing!  Cheers to that!

Milk and a Washcloth: 

Take a washcloth and soak it in a bowl of milk then ring it out.  It’s best to use cow, goat, or buttermilk for smooth and supple skin.  Microwave for 30 seconds then place on face for ten minutes or until the washcloth cools.  This aids in both soft, smooth skin and is effective for getting rid of age spots since it lightens skin pigmentation.

The Breakfast Mask:

This little mask requires a blender and a little tender loving care!  I use this mask almost everyday because it is gentle and helps reduce redness, dark eye circles, and acne.  I’ve even started my teenage daughter on this regimen to gear her through the teenage years.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of rolled oats
• 1 cup of boiling water
• a drizzle of honey
• 2 TBSP milk
• 2 TBSp coffee grounds
• 1 teaspoon of Greek yogurt

Pour the oats into the blender and soak for a couple minutes in the boiling water.  Then add the additional ingredients and blend well.  Cake on face until dry then use a washcloth to exfoilate.  You can even keep leftovers in a separate container that can be heated up for 40 seconds for the next use.

Waterfall:

Take a common everyday vaporizer, preferably the warm heat model, then steam your face for at least 15 to 20 minutes.  After steaming your face, which opens the pores, then splash ice cold water onto face to close them.  Then moisturize as usual.  Prior to doing this, spend the day drinking an entire gallon of fresh water by the jug.  This will purify your skin from the inside/out. 

Blogger Laurali Star can be found on her blog, Charming Laurali Star, and on her site, The Damsel in the Attic, where she sells handmade and vintage clothing and accessories.  Another fab way to help reduce, reuse, and recycle!  Check it out!

Click here to see how to make art latte. There are some unique arts made in this particular review im about to show you.

Green Halloween® is a nationwide non-profit initiative started by mother-daughter team Corey Colwell-Lipson and Lynn Colwell. In 2010, Green Halloween became a program of EcoMom® Alliance and has events in cities across the U.S.