cleaning supplies

A friendly feature: Bespoke Naturals

Image from @bespokenaturals

Image from @bespokenaturals

This week we wanted to introduce you to a local maker: Bespoke Naturals. We love their company and we wanted to share a little Q&A we did with them. Enjoy!

Q. Where did your idea and passion for this company come from?

A. Our idea for Bespoke Naturals originated from a desire to help a family member diagnosed with a serious illness. In researching healthier, more natural options for them, we discovered how many household cleaning products are quite unhealthy and filled with dangerous chemicals. Realizing the potential negative side effects of breathing in these chemicals, we began creating cleaning products free from harsh chemicals, preservatives and artificial fragrances.

Our idea for the Dog-Gone Flea & Tick Drops for Dogs came from a lovely little terrier that is allergic to the pesticides and chemicals in traditional flea and tick repellents. So, we set out to create a formula that is comprised entirely of a blend of dog-safe essential oils mixed with fractionated coconut oil.

Our ongoing passion for our company stems from the simple desire to share with others what we have learned about healthier living for ourselves, our families, and our pets. 

 

Q.  What is your favorite product?

A. We actually have two favorite products. First, is our counter top spray. We love the light fragrance provided by essential oils and how well it works around the house. Second, is our flea & tick drops for dogs. It keeps fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes away from our dogs and, unlike traditional chemical repellents, it does not cause them any problems.

 
Image from @bespokenaturals

Image from @bespokenaturals

 


Q. What is one thing you wish everyone knew about most household products?

A. We wish everyone knew a product label that says "natural" does not necessarily mean the product is really natural. The term "natural" is unregulated. There are no guidelines that must be followed in order to use the term. Therefore, a product may be labeled "natural" and still contain harsh chemicals or preservatives that may cause issues for sensitive family members or pets in the home. When you see "natural" on a product label, be sure to take a close look at the ingredient list.

At Bespoke Naturals, we never use harsh chemicals, preservatives or artificial fragrances in any of our products. So, you can trust you are using only the best for your family. 

 

Q. Who makes up your team at Bespoke?

A. Bespoke Naturals LLC is a two-person operation started by friends, Bill and Dedra, with an appreciation for healthy homes and healthy living.

 

Q. What are some holiday gift ideas you recommend? 

A. We recommend trying one of our gift sets. Each gift set comes in a cute gift box and contains everything you need to get started using our products along with a gift card. For the pet lover in your life that has a dog, we suggest our Dog-Gone Flea & Tick Drops for Dogs. They are convenient, easy to apply, and work well.

 

Image from @bespokenaturals

Image from @bespokenaturals

Thank you Bespoke Naturals your willingness to share with our HYD family! 

Bespoke Naturals, LLC
Web- bespokenaturals.com
Email- infobespokenaturals@gmail.com

the all purpose closet.

As much as it would fulfill our perfectly designed and organized dreams of each closet having it's own category of contents, sometimes we are presented just one closet for multiple purposes. Imagine one closet that needs to contain all of your seasonal decor, gift wrapping supplies, crafting tools, and cleaning supplies. We've come up with a few tips regarding each category, to help this closet function as functionally and organized as it can. These ideas can be applied regardless of the size or shape of the closet. Let's work with what we've got & get creative... after all this is why we call it "the art of organizing"

Seasonal Decor.

Image from Eleven Magnolia Lane.

Image from Eleven Magnolia Lane.

  • Snap and stack ornament storage. Or if you have your own boxes, use those! Also try- egg crates or apple cartons for round & fragile ornaments. 

  • Hanging your wreaths vertically with a hanger... what?! Read more on how to.

  • Use your storage tubs and bins more efficiently. Empty all of your current holiday storage to see it all at once. Let go of the things you no longer like or don't want to use this season. Reorganize the bins into: outdoor decor, christmas tree decorations & lights, serving ware & hosting dishes. 


Gift Wrapping.

Image from I Heart Organizing. 

Image from I Heart Organizing. 


Cleaning Stuff. 

Image from The 36th Avenue.

Image from The 36th Avenue.

  • Use a shoe organizer for cleaning spray bottles. 

  • Choose pretty containers (clear glass or labeled clearly) to hold all of your cleaning supplies. Like this.

  • Get rid of all expired or toxic cleaning chemicals. Show your kids the supplies you want them to have access to and where they are to be stored. 


Crafting Supplies. 

Image from Mad in Crafts

Image from Mad in Crafts

  • Separate and distinguish between adult and children's craft supplies. 
  • Encourage the kids who will use this closet to help in deciding where things go and how they'd like to set their things up. 
  • Make room by purging items that your kids may have grown out of and would like to donate to another family. 
  • Use vertical storage (this is a common theme in this blog post!) like a hanging shoe container for yarn. 
  • Hanging paint storage: try this DIY trick

If you love the pretty door image we used for this blog post- google some creative ways to make a bland and boring closet door POP! 

Post a photo of the space, room, or nook that you love dwelling in & simply tag us (@helpyoudwell) and one lucky winner will receive a free HYD Canvas Tote! Last week to win. 

Also, we're so excited to announce the Fall Flea we're co-hosting with The Hive on November 4 & 5. Watch our Facebook & Instagram for sneak peeks of the collection we've curated coming soon! 

Spring Cleaning Tips

Image via Terrain

Image via Terrain

For a few days there it felt like Summer and then I had to pull the ice scraper back out for my windshield in the mornings. Thankfully, I think we've had our last frost now and we couldn't be more ready for some sunshine and warm weather. I find myself more motivated when Spring comes to put a little extra effort into things. We've found a few links from around the web to inspire you for the season.

1. Three looks for Spring

2. Spring Cleaning Decluttering Inspiration

3. The prettiest cleaning tools you've ever seen

4. Prepping your garden for spring

5. Dogwood Arts event calendar: If you are looking for things to do around Knoxville. Dogwood Arts hosts a wide variety of events celebrating spring and gardens all over Knoxville.

Spring Cleaning Challenge Week 2

Source Unknown

Source Unknown

Do a little something today that your future self will thank you for.

It's week two in our Spring Cleaning campaign.  The warm weather is creeping in, daffodils & crocus are popping up and step-by-step you're moving to more order and peace in your home.

Last week we focused on ordering our bathroom closet & tidying up our email inbox.  Keeping it simple and achievable, this week we move to our bedroom closet and the kitchen.

this week's challenge

1.  Donate or consign all your fancy dresses you bought for that one occasion and said, "I'll wear that again" and never did.  Repeat Boutique in West Knoxville is a great option if you choose to consign.  If you choose to donate, you may have a friend that comes to mind that might love to get your fancy dress or any of the local thrift shops would gladly welcome your donation.

2.  Take everything out from under your kitchen sink, clean the cabinet and put back only what you use regularly.  No tricks here.  Just keep it simple.