Updates from Terri Bonin

Build Your Outdoor Kit Before You Need It

Build Your Outdoor Kit Before You Need It

Simple, Natural Bug Protection for Backyard Season

Happy Tuesday—and finally… the weather is cooperating.
Longer days, warmer evenings, more time outside.
And of course… the bugs are back too.
If you’ve ever been mid-cookout, swatting flies like it’s your new part-time job, you already know:
Outdoor prep always gets forgotten—until it’s too late.
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A Simple Spring Reset for Your Body

A Simple Spring Reset for Your Body

How to Refresh Your Routine, Boost Energy, and Support Weight Management Naturally

Happy spring reset season.
We spring clean our homes.
We clean out closets, cars, and junk drawers.
But what about giving your body that same kind of fresh start?
Spring is the perfect time to pause, reset, and realign your daily habits so they actually support how you want to feel.

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The 60-Second Post-Workout Cool-Down You’ll Actually Do

The 60-Second Post-Workout Cool-Down You’ll Actually Do

A Simple Recovery Routine to Help Your Body Feel Better—Fast

You know that cool-down you meant to do after your workout…
…and then immediately forgot?
You’re not alone.
The truth is, most of us skip recovery because it feels like one more thing on an already full schedule. But what if your cool-down only took 60 seconds?
That’s the secret to actually making it happen.

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Beat the Mid-Afternoon Slump Naturally

Beat the Mid-Afternoon Slump Naturally

How to Boost Energy and Focus Without More Caffeine

That mid-afternoon dip can hit out of nowhere—BAM.
Your eyes won’t stay open.
Your brain feels foggy.
Everything feels like walking through squishy mud on a muggy afternoon.
Sound familiar?
Before you reach for another cup of coffee, there’s a simpler, more natural way to wake up your brain and boost your energy—and it only takes a few minutes.

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Hydration Hacks for Busy Moms

Hydration Hacks for Busy Moms

How to Drink More Water, Boost Energy, and Improve Mood (Without Tricks)

“Studies show Diet Coke is the new water…”
Hydration experts are shocked.
Moms everywhere are rejoicing.
And honestly… same. 😄
…Okay okay—April Fools.
But let’s be real for a second.

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Spring Cleaning Reset

Spring Cleaning Reset

Spring Cleaning Reset: How to Freshen Your Home Naturally

Sometimes a house just needs to be aired out.
You open the windows, look around, and suddenly notice the drawers that need organizing, the closets that need purging, and the rugs that have seen one too many winters.
That’s when spring cleaning season officially begins.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve donated so many bags to Goodwill it’s almost embarrassing. It makes you wonder… who is buying all this stuff?
But once the clutter leaves, something amazing happens. The house feels lighter. The air feels fresher. And somehow you feel more energized too.
If you love a good spring cleaning marathon, you’re in the right place.

Why Spring Cleaning Feels So Good

After months of winter living—closed windows, cozy blankets, and comfort cooking—our homes can start to feel a little heavy.
Spring cleaning helps reset your space by:
  • Clearing out clutter
  • Freshening fabrics and carpets
  • Removing lingering odors
  • Creating a lighter, more peaceful environment
Even small changes like wiping baseboards, cleaning rugs, or decluttering closets can make your home feel brand new again.

My Go-To Tool for Cleaning Furniture

One of my favorite tools for spring cleaning upholstery is the Bissell Little Green Machine.
It’s lightweight, easy to use, and surprisingly powerful for deep-cleaning furniture and fabric surfaces.
To make it even better, I add a natural cleaning solution to the water tank.

My Favorite Natural Cleaning Mix

Instead of using harsh chemical cleaners, I mix Thieves Household Cleaner with water in the machine’s tank.
After a good pass over sofas, chairs, or rugs, the results are amazing:
  • Furniture looks refreshed
  • Fabrics smell clean
  • The whole room feels lighter
It’s a simple swap that makes spring cleaning feel healthier and more enjoyable.

Pro Tip for Pet Owners: Neutralize Odors

If you share your home with pets, you know that sometimes odors can linger in carpets and upholstery.
A simple trick is to add a few drops of Purification Essential Oil Blend to your cleaning mixture.
Purification is known for helping neutralize stubborn odors, which makes it perfect for:
  • Pet smells
  • Musty furniture
  • Carpets and rugs
  • Car interiors
I use the same method when cleaning carpets—just with a push carpet steamer instead of the handheld machine.

Spring Cleaning Tip: Schedule Your Reset Day

The best way to actually get spring cleaning done?
Schedule a day for it.
Pick a date, gather your cleaning supplies, and go all in.
Open the windows.
Turn on some music.
Load your cleaning machine with your favorite natural cleaner.
Then enjoy watching your space transform.
Sometimes all it takes is one focused day to completely reset your home.

Why We Love These Natural Cleaning Options

Purification Essential Oil Blend

  • Helps neutralize stubborn odors
  • Creates a fresh, clean-smelling environment
  • Easy to add to cleaning routines 

Thieves Household Cleaner

  • Powerful plant-based cleaning concentrate
  • Multi-purpose for surfaces, fabrics, and more
  • Safe for families when used properly
Together they create a clean, fresh home without the harsh chemical smell.

Start Your Fresh-Home Reset

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Start with one area:
  • A couch
  • A closet
  • A rug
  • A single room
Once you see the results, motivation tends to follow.
And there’s nothing quite like the feeling of a home that’s been aired out, cleaned up, and refreshed for the season.

What’s the one area in your home you wish felt fresher right now?

Share in the comments—I’d love to hear!

Wishing you a fresh-start kind of week.

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Shower Steam Routine for Stuffy Days

Shower Steam Routine for Stuffy Days

How to Create a Simple Aromatherapy Shower Steamer for Easy Breathing

Some days you just want one good, deep breath that actually feels satisfying.
When you’re feeling stuffy, heavy, or run down, the shower can become more than just part of your routine—it can become a quick reset for your body and mind.
The best part? You don’t need anything complicated.
A steamy shower paired with aromatic essential oils can help create a refreshing environment that encourages deeper breathing and relaxation.

Why Steam Helps Aromatherapy Work

Warm steam naturally carries aroma through the air.
That’s why products like shower steamers feel so effective—they release essential oil molecules into the steam, allowing you to breathe them in while the heat opens up the space around you.
Did you know?
Steam helps disperse aromatic compounds throughout the shower, creating a mini spa-like experience right at home.
It’s one of the easiest ways to turn a regular shower into a refreshing reset when you’re feeling stuffy or sluggish.

DIY Shower Steamers: A Simple Recipe

Making your own shower steamers is surprisingly easy and requires only a few ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup baking soda
  • ½ cup citric acid
  • Essential oils of choice
  • Water or witch hazel (just enough to bind)

Instructions

  1. Mix the baking soda and citric acid in a bowl.
  2. Add your essential oils and stir thoroughly.
  3. Slowly add a small amount of water or witch hazel until the mixture holds together when pressed.
  4. Press the mixture firmly into an ice cube tray or mold.
  5. Let it dry and set completely before removing.
Once set, you’ll have grab-and-go shower steamers ready whenever you need a quick aromatic reset.

How to Use Your Shower Steamers

Using a shower steamer is simple:
  1. Place one steamer on the shower floor, away from the direct water stream.
  2. Let warm steam gradually activate the essential oils.
  3. Breathe deeply and enjoy the refreshing aroma.
This method allows the steamer to release scent slowly instead of dissolving too quickly.

Essential Oils to Try for a Refreshing Shower

Fresh-Air Breathing Blend

Add R.C. Essential Oil Blend to your shower steamer mixture.
This ready-to-use blend provides a crisp, outdoorsy aroma that makes the shower feel like a breath of fresh mountain air. It’s great when you want a bold, invigorating scent without mixing multiple oils.

Crisp Spa-Like Aroma

For a clean and refreshing experience, add Eucalyptus Radiata Essential Oil to your shower steamer blend.
Its crisp scent creates a spa-style atmosphere—perfect when sweet or heavy fragrances don’t sound appealing.

When to Use Aromatherapy Shower Steamers

Aromatic shower steamers can be especially nice when:
  • You wake up feeling stuffy
  • Seasonal changes affect your breathing
  • You want a refreshing morning reset
  • You need a quick spa moment during a busy day
Sometimes a simple sensory shift is enough to help your body relax and breathe easier.

Turn Your Shower into a Mini Reset

You don’t need a full spa day to create a moment of calm or refreshment.
A warm shower, a little steam, and a simple essential oil blend can transform a daily routine into something restorative.
Next time you step into the shower, try adding a steamer and taking a few slow, deep breaths.
Your body might thank you for it.

Are you more of a “wake-me-up” shower person or a “wind-me-down” shower person?
Let me know in the comments!
Wishing you a breathe-deep kind of day.

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Spring Clean the Air (Without Harsh Fumes)

Spring Clean the Air (Without Harsh Fumes)

How to Freshen Indoor Air Naturally After Winter

If your house feels a little stale after winter, you don’t need a full-on deep clean to fix the vibe.
Before you pull out harsh chemical sprays or artificial fragrances, try something simpler: a quick “air reset.”
In just 10 minutes, you can make your entire home feel lighter, fresher, and more inviting—without harsh fumes.

Why Your Home Feels Stale After Winter

During colder months, windows stay closed. Air circulation decreases. Cooking smells linger. Fabrics absorb everything.
Did you know?
Odors love to hang out in soft surfaces like:
  • Rugs
  • Curtains
  • Couches
  • Throw blankets
  • Carpets
That’s why simply spraying the air doesn’t always work. The smell isn’t just floating—it’s settled in.
The most effective way to freshen indoor air naturally is to pair air movement with something that helps neutralize lingering odors.

The 10-Minute “Air Reset” Routine

When you want your whole house to feel cleaner fast, try this simple routine:
  1. Crack a window (even for a few minutes)
  2. Turn on a ceiling fan or portable fan
  3. Tidy one small area (countertop, coffee table, entryway)
  4. Diffuse a clean, fresh essential oil blend
That’s it.
You’re moving stagnant air out while introducing a lighter, brighter scent in.
It’s simple—but powerful.

How to Freshen Air Naturally with Essential Oils

If you enjoy using essential oils in your home, here are two easy options that work beautifully for a spring air refresh.

✓ For a True “Clean Air” Reset

Diffuse Purification Essential Oil Blend while a window is open for a few minutes—especially after cooking.
This ready-to-use blend helps the air smell clean again without layering a bunch of separate oils. It’s a great choice when you want to neutralize odors rather than just cover them up.

✓ For a Bright, Fresh (But Cozy) Finish

Diffuse Lushious Lemon Essential Oil Blend during your 10-minute tidy.
It smells fresh and upbeat without coming off like straight lemon cleaner. You get that clean, citrus brightness—without the harsh “just scrubbed the floors” vibe.
Perfect for kitchens, living rooms, and entryways.

Why Choose a Natural Air Refresh?

Many conventional air fresheners simply mask odors with synthetic fragrance—and often add unnecessary chemicals into your indoor air.
A simple reset with fresh air, movement, and thoughtfully chosen essential oil blends can:
  • Help your space feel lighter
  • Improve the overall atmosphere
  • Support a fresh-start mindset
  • Make everyday cleaning feel easier
And sometimes that shift in atmosphere is exactly what you need to feel motivated again.

What Space in Your Home Needs a Reset?

Is it:
  • The kitchen after winter comfort cooking?
  • The living room where everyone gathered all season?
  • The entryway that collected boots and coats?
  • A bedroom that just feels a little stuffy?
You don’t need a deep clean to change the energy of a space.
Start with 10 minutes.
Open a window.
Move the air.
Let something fresh do the rest.
Wishing you a fresh-start kind of week—and a home that feels as light as spring. ✨

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WELL, HELLO!

 
Hi Friend!


I’m Terri Bonin—wife to my favorite dentist (who keeps me smiling in more ways than one!) and mama to eleven incredible kiddos… yep, on purpose! Now, they’re growing up, getting married, and multiplying, so our family is basically the size of a small town!

I’ve homeschooled for over 25 years (with several more to go until our youngest, who’s eleven, graduates). I was crunchy before it was cool and slathering essential oils on my kids before they were a thing. Around here, I share mom hacks, marriage wisdom, wellness tips, and real-life glimpses into our beautifully chaotic, laughter-filled home.

I hope you find this space happy, helpful, and relatable! And if you love good conversations, come hang out with me on my podcast, "Terri Bonin At Home", where we chat about building a strong family culture, natural remedies, and navigating the wonderful (and sometimes wild) world of marriage and motherhood.

Let’s do life together—one drop, one laugh, and one lesson at a time!

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