Monthly Archives

November 2020

  • Babies & Kids, Beauty, Clean Living, Healthy Home

    2020 Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals on Non-Toxic, Eco-Friendly Products!

    black friday deals

    This year’s Black Friday / Cyber Monday Deals begin NOW!

    Don’t forget to check back as I will continue to update this list all week long with naturally non-toxic, eco-friendly favorites from small businesses, big businesses, Amazon and everyone in between.

    Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links” which does not cost you anything, but assists in running this site. Thank you for your support. Full Disclaimer and Disclosure here.

    AMAZON

    Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Solutions Kit
    Originally $52 | Now $36!

    WaterPik ToothBrush/Flosser Combo
    Originally $200 | Now $116

    WaterPik Flosser
    Originally $69 | Now $39

    Hape Baby Walker
    Originally $100 | Now $57

    Oral B Rechargeable Toothbrush
    Originally $50 | Now $30

    Instant Pot 9-in-1
    Originally $130 | Now $89

    Fire 7 Kids Edition Tablet, 7″ Display, 16 GB, Easy-to-use Parental Controls, Pink Kid-Proof Case
    Originally $100 | Now $60

    Burt’s Bee Baby Organic Burp Cloths (5 Pack)
    Originally $23 | Now $12

    Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation, Warm 3
    Originally $29 } Now $21

    Legos
    Most around 20% off!


    HOME

    Organic Weave Rugs

    • 15% off GOTS Certified Rugs (Not ready to purchase today? Use code WHATMOMMYKNOWS for 10% off anytime)
    • Code: BLACKFRIDAY
    • Shop deals here.

    Water Right Hose

    • 20% off! We have two of these hoses and they are the cleanest you will find! Made in the USA + free of PVC, lead and other toxins.
    • Code: 2020
    • Shop deal here.

    My Green Mattress

    • Now thru 11/29
    • $250 off Natural Escape Mattress
    • $175 off Hope, Kiwi & Pure Echo Mattresses
    • 20% off Emily Crib mattress & All Accessories
    • Shop deal here.

    Naturepedic

    • 20% off + Free Shipping
    • Code: SLEEP20
    • Shop deals here.

    Latex for Less

    • $175 Off Latex Mattresses
    • Code: BLACK175
    • Now thru 11/29
    • Shop deals here.

    California Cotton

    • 40% off all king-sized sheets, duvets and pillowcases
    • Shop deal here.

    MOLECULE

    • Save up to 40% off sitewide
    • Code: SAVEMORE
    • Shop deal here.

    Planet Box

    • 25% off sitewide
    • Code: HOLIDAY25
    • Shop deals here.

    EZPZ

    • 25% off sitewide
    • Code: 25OFF
    • Shop deal here.

    Hydroflask (stainless water bottles – Lead free!)

    • 25% off
    • Shop deals here.

    EcoJarz

    • 40% off
    • Code: DBQA5H6WIW6
    • Shop deals here.

    PuraStainless

    • 25% off
    • Code: BLACKFRIDAY25
    • Shop deals here.

    ORGANIC CLOTHING

    Finn & Emma (Babies & Kids)

    • 20% off site-wide
    • Code: CYBER20
    • Valid 11/30 – 12/1
    • Shop deal here.

    Colored Organics (Babies & Kids)

    • 15% off sitewide
    • Shop deals here.

    Art + Eden (Babies & Kids)

    • Various sales + 20% with 6+ items
    • Shop deal here.

    Soulflower (Adults, Babies, Kids, Home)

    • Everything is on sale sitewide up to 40% off
    • Shop deals here.

    Pact (Babies, Kids, Adults, Home)

    • 40% off select items
    • Code: BLACKFRIDAY
    • Now thru 11/30
    • Shop deal here.

    Primary (Babies, Kids & Family PJS)

    • 40% off
    • Shop deals here.

    Hanna Andersson (Babies, Kids, & Family PJS)

    • Up to 50% off sitewide
    • Shop deals here.

    Prana (Adults)

    • 25% off + free shipping
    • Shop deals here.

    Under the Nile (Babies & Kids)

    • Code: MOM2020
    • Now thru December 31.
    • Shop deals here.

    Burt’s Bees (Baby, Kids, & Family PJs)

    • Up to 75% off sitewide.
    • Shop deals here.

    Stonz (Toxin Free Baby & Kids Boots and Gloves)

    • 25% off sitewide
    • Shop deals here. P.S. These boots are awesome, warm and PVC-free.

    Monica & Andy (Babies, Kids, Matching Jammies)

    • 30% off sitewide + some 60% off
    • Shop deals here.

    BEAUTY & PERSONAL CARE

    Innersense Beauty Box

    • 4 Organic Hair Products ($115 value) for $56
    • Includes: Hairbath, Conditioner, Leave-in, Volumizing Foam
    • Shop deal here. BTW, this is a great deal! I loveee this company and of course purchased this immediately.

    Juice Beauty

    • Up to 50% off Holiday Gift Boxes and 30% off best sellers.
    • Code: BF2020
    • Shop deals here.

    Wellnesse

    • 25% off
    • Code: 25OFF or THANK25
    • Now thru 11/30
    • Shop deals here.

    Moon Valley Organics

    • 20% off Entire Order
    • 30% off $75 or more
    • Shop deal here.

    Coal Tree Organics

    • 30-50% OFF all products
    • Now thru 12/01
    • Shop deal here.

    Drunk Elephant

    • 20% off sitewide
    • Shop deal here.

    Babo Botanicals (Baby Care Products)

    • 40% off sitewide + free travel gift set
    • Code: THANKSGIVING
    • Now thru 11/25
    • Shop deal here.
    • 40% off everything + FREE Travel Size Sensitive Baby Hydra Lotion
    • Valid 11/26 thru 11/29
    • Shop deal here.

    BABY, KIDS & TOYS

    Lovevery

    • Save $30 on The Play Gym when you start a new prepaid subscription to The Play Kits with code BONUSPLAY at Lovevery. Valid 11/26 –11/29.
    • Shop deals here.

    ERGO Baby Carrier

    • 40% off Omni 360: CAM – Dewy Taupe
    • Code: HOLIDAY
    • Shop deals here.

    Haba

    • Up to 70% off! Plus, 20% off your purchase!
    • Code: BF2020
    • Shop deal here.

    Sarah’s Silks

    • 40% Off
    • Shop deal here.

    Green Kids Crafts

    • $25 off select craft boxes
    • Shop deal here.

    SUBSCRIPTIONS

    Little Spoon (Healthy Baby Food & Kids Plates)

    • Enjoy $75 off 3 shipments of Babyblends
    • $75 off of 5 shipments of Plates
    • Now thru 11/30
    • Shop deal here.

    EarthLove Subscriptions (subscription box for eco-conscious living)

    • FREE Box with purchase of an annual subscription.
    • Shop deal here.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    Minted

    • Up to 20% off everything + FREE shipping
    • Code: BF2020
    • Shop deals here.

    Force of Nature

    • 20% off the already discounted price
    • Code: BESTGIFTEVER
    • $20 off Kits & Bundles
    • Code: GETGIFT20
    • Shop deal here.

    Better Life

    • 30% or more
    • Sign up with email for code.
    • Shop deals here.

    Paper Source

    • 20% off sitewide
    • Shop deals here.

    Still can’t find the perfect gift this holiday season? Don’t forget to check out the “Black Friday/Cyber Monday” section of my Amazon Storefront !

    As always, thanks for reading!
    Happy Shopping!

  • Babies & Kids, Healthy Home

    The Ultimate Non-Toxic Baby Registry Guide

    nontoxic baby registry

    Creating a baby registry is fun and exciting, but it can also be overwhelming at times with so many options to choose from. And what might work for one mama, might not work for another. Below are my favorite Non-Toxic Baby Registry Must-Haves that are free of harmful substances and toxic chemicals.


    NURSERY

    Crib
    You’ll want to look for a crib that is Green Guard Gold Certified and made from 100% solid wood. Romania Furniture is my top pick! Made from 100% solid wood, this furniture is truly beautiful and non-toxic from start to finish. Stokke, Babyletto, DaVinci and Ikea all make good solid wood options at a more affordable price!

    Crib Mattress
    My Green Mattress is a newer noteworthy brand that I only stumbled upon after I had my little one. Made with GOTS certified organic cotton and wool, this mattress does not contain flame retardants, polyurethane foams, PVC, formaldehyde, perfluorinated compounds, or phthalates. We choose My Green Mattress most recently when we chose to update our bedroom mattress as well as when we moved my daughter into her new big girl room. And have been really happy since! Tip: For us, we chose the Natural Escape and for my daughter, we chose the Kiwi! Both are great, although many adults (especially my husband) absolutely love the lumbar support found in the Natural Escape.

    Naturepedic makes amazing mattress in general and is another great pick for baby! Naturepedic crib mattresses are made from GOTS certified organic cotton without the use of vinyl/PVC, phthalates, formaldehyde or perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), making it the perfect choice for your newborn.

    Crib Sheets
    Burt’s Bees Sheets are our go-to brand crib sheets. They are affordable, 100% GOTS certified organic cotton and come in lots of cute patterns.

    Swaddles & Blankets
    Snuggle Me Swaddles created this awesome swaddle made in the USA from GOTS certified organic cotton, which is large enough to double as a nursing cover too! Oliver and Rain also makes these oversize swaddles that are perfect for pampering your little!

    Changing Table Pad
    The Naturepedic Changing Pad is made with organic cotton and a food-grade polyethylene waterproofing which is one of the safest options out there. Naturepedic also makes a cover as well!

    Humidifier
    The AAP recommends sticking with a cool mist humidifier for your little one. While a warm mist humidifier is just as effective, it can lead to accidental burns and easily become a hazard in your home. This Pure Enrichment Humidifier works great and is easier to clean than our previous Crane Humidifier.

    Sound Machine
    If you’re looking for white noise to help your little one slip into dreamland, this soother by Dohm is well worth it!

    Rug
    Lorena Canals makes super cute, washable rugs made from 100% cotton or 100% wool. Artisans carefully hand-make each rug using non-toxic dyes and natural materials without the use on waterproofing chemicals, fungicides, or other toxic repellents. The backing of Lorena Canals rugs is made from cotton and natural fiber – unlike many rugs on the market that use a PVC or plastic backing. Clearly, I am a big fan of Lorena Canals! I actually currently have three of the cotton rugs in my home and plan on buy one of the wool ones soon (shhh… don’t tell my husband! Ha! Ha!). This one is currently in my daughter’s room.


    ON THE GO

    Stroller
    Bumbleride makes this amazing stroller that is not only non-toxic, but also lightweight and easy to push around town.  Made from 100% recycled PET, this is one of the best options on the market. In general, you’ll want to avoid PVC, flame retardants, and perfluorinated chemicals (PFC’s) in strollers and other baby products.

    Car Seat
    Nuna makes a car seat that is free of flame retardants and perfluorinated chemicals (PFC’s) chemicals! At this time, Nuna is the only brand that is free of both although I think (and hope) more companies will follow in the future. Although not all Clek products are free of flame retardants, Clek offers a few flame retardant free car seat options made from merino wool: this infant car seat and this convertible car seat are “registry-worthy”. This Uppa Baby Mesa Car Seat is also flame retardant free, although not all Uppa Baby Car Seats are. And lastly, this Britax is another flame retardant free option that we own.

    Infant Lounger
    This lounger by Snuggle Me Organic is perfect for infants! I highly recommend some sort of lounger. I actually never registered for one, but was really glad I received one as a gift and used it all the time.

    Travel Crib / Pack N Play
    The Baby Bjorn Travel Crib is so easy to pack up and just go, go, go! And I have to say, as someone who originally owned the Graco Pack N Play, this is 100% easier to fold up, plus it’s materials are safer for your little one.

    Lightweight Stroller
    This Maclaren and UppaBaby G-Lite are the two lightweight stroller brands I own and recommend, although I personally use the UppaBaby more often.

    Baby Carriers
    The Organic Ergo and Moby Wrap are the two baby carriers are loved by many, but to be completely honest, I used them each once, but I know I will probably use them a lot more with my next! Another option to consider is the Organic Bobo. Edit: It looks like they discontinued the Organic Ergo unfortunately, but I still think it is one of the most comfortable options out there.


    FEEDING & TEETHING

    High Chair
    Anyone who knows me, knows I absolutely love my Stokke Tripp Trapps! I actually have a few to match different rooms of our house and since we spend a lot of time outdoors, I have one in the garage too. Ok – I know that is a littttle excessive, but I just cannot say enough good things about them. Not only can your little one use it from age 0-99, but it also has been an awesome way for me to reach high up spaces.

    The Stokke Tripp Trapp is made from 100% solid beechwood and contains no harmful chemicals, BPA, or phthalates. I also love all of the gorgeous new colors they now come in!

    Bottles
    We used Joovy Boob Glass Bottles for my daughter and really liked them. They have an optional silicone sleeve that comes in a bunch of cute colors too. Note: I did have these tested for lead and heavy metals and the results came back as non-detect so they are a good option!

    Another good option are these glass LifeFactory Bottles with a silicone sleeve. If I need more bottles in the future, I will most likely order these because I love that they can be used as water bottles when your child is older so they truly can be used forever!

    Looking for a silicone option instead? While I highly recommend the glass bottles, especially if you are warming milk, these silicone bottles by Comotomo would be my pick if I were to purchase something other than glass.

    Bibs
    These bibs by Aden + Anais are literally the only bibs you will ever need. Made from organic cotton, they are large enough to last from infancy through adulthood! Ha!

    Burp Cloths
    Burt’s Bees Burp Cloths are my absolute favorite burp cloths and one of the first things I registered for (thanks to my sister!) You won’t regret it!

    Nursing Pillow
    Nook Sleeping Pillow is a lightweight, firm yet soft nursing pillow made in the USA of organic kapok. It is also naturally water resistant – total bonus! Holy Lamb makes an awesome organic nursing pillow too made from organic wool and organic cotton and My Brest Friend makes this pillow made from organic cotton that totally fits around your bod like a glove!

    Pacifiers
    Soothies are made from 100% silicone and were my daughter’s fave!

    Teethers
    Bannor Toys Teethers are made from natural, unstained solid hardwood which are then finished with an organic beeswax and flaxseed mixture. They have super cute options that are both wooden and silicone! I also highly recommend Sophie the Giraffe and this silicone teether by Comotomo. My daughter also really loved this organic cotton carrot teether which doubles as a toy now that she’s older! All of these options were used a ton by my little one.

    Plates, Bowls, & Cutlery
    Since we have always avoided the use of plastic when it comes to eating and drinking, my daughter used and still uses new Corelle (glass) or one of the options below for daily feedings. And if you’re wondering… we have never had a problem with our Corelle shattering from my daughter throwing it (although my husband did break a plate once!)
    1. Avanchy Stainless Bowl with Silicone Suction
    2. Avanchy Wooden Bowl, Divided Plate, and Spoon with Silicone Suction
    3. Brinware Glass & Silicone Plate and Bowl
    4. Liberty Baby Flatware Set
    5. Kleyanimals Stainless Steel Cutlery
    6. OXO Glass Jars (for babyfood and snacks)
    7. Stasher Bags (for babyfood, snacks, and literally anything and everything)


    JAMMIES & ACCESSORIES

    Pajamas
    My favorite organic PJ’s for babies and kiddos are: L’oved Baby (super soft), Hanna Andersson (durable quality), and Burt’s Bees (most affordable). Be sure to choose AVOID flame retardants that are found children’s pajamas! Look for the words “tight-fitting” and “NOT flame resistant” on the tag. Check out my guide to organic clothing for your little one here!

    Socks
    Touched by Nature has so many cute, affordable cotton socks for your little!

    Mittens & Hats
    While I don’t think mittens or hats are a necessity, if you are going to register for some, I’d recommend these by Burt’s Bees.


    BATHTIME

    Bathtub
    You’ll want a non-toxic tub for your newborn that is BPA-, PVC- , and Phthalate-free at a minimum! The Stokkee Collapsible Tub is a great option made of Polypropylene (PP) and Thermoplastic Elastomeric (TPE). The Boon Bath Tub is another great non-toxic choice that is also collapsible and simple to hang!

    Bath Towels
    We love GOTS certified organic Burt’s Bees towels! They are affordable, soft, and come in so many cute patterns like rosy flowers and little ducks! Another good option, includes these soft, ultra absorbent GOTS certified towels made in Turkey!

    Wash Cloths
    Again, organic cotton is your best bet when it comes to anything going on or around your baby’s sensitive skin. Burt’s Bees wash cloths are what we use and recommend.

    Bath Toys
    The Hevea Natural Rubber Duck is a great non-toxic alternative to typical PVC ducks. Plus, they contains zero holes, leaving out the potential to trap water and mold like many bath toys. Green Toys, Plan Toys, and Caacho are a few other non-toxic brands we love for bath time fun!


    PLAYTIME

    Play Gym
    The Lovevery Play Gym is my #1 pick and I wish I knew about it when I was creating my baby registry! These fun play gyms made by Plan Toys and Haba are also great for your little one!

    Rattles
    This wooden rattle is made in the USA of ethically sourced solid wood and uses organic coconut oil to create a smooth finish. It has held up really well too! Other rattles our little one loved include this wooden bell rattle by Plan Toys (made in Thailand), this clutching rattle by Haba (made in Germany), and this organic cotton rattle by Apple Park (made in China).

    Babies also love keys, but due to typical household and car keys containing high amounts of lead, please do not let your little one play with them. Here are a few safe key options: Plan Toys Keys, Kleyanimals (my daughter’s fav), and Green Toys Keys.

    Snuggle Buddy
    Made from 100% organic cotton, this snuggle bunny by Under the Nile and this little froggie by Apple Park are two cute options.


    DIAPERS & BABY CARE PRODUCTS

    Diapers
    If you’re using disposable diapers, you’ll want to choose one without fragrance and phthalates at a minimum. Here are my top picks:
    Bambo, Eco by Naty, Andy Pandy, and I’ve heard good things about Dyper too. For a while we also used Honest and they worked really well (although they are not as ‘clean’ as the other brands).

    Wipes
    Of course, you’ll want to avoid fragrance and any synthetic chemicals when it comes to wipes as well! We’ve tried quite a few brands including Water Wipes, but our favorite are definitely Eco by Naty. Second fav? Kinder by Nature.

    Detergent
    Harsh chemicals and fragrance are a couple things you will want to avoid so it is best to choose a free and clear detergent for your babe’s delicate skin (AKA avoid DREFT at all cost. It literally baffles me to know that this is marketed as a baby product!) Molly’s Suds, Better Life, and EcoNuts are what we use in our home.

    Baby Lotion
    Babies don’t really “need” lotion, but you will find times when you may want to use it, especially during the winter. Earth Mama is one of our ‘go-to’ brands that I really love and trust. This organic lotion comes unscented or scented (calming lavender and sweet orange) and does a great job moisturizing baby’s delicate skin.

    Shampoo/Baby Wash
    This is my absolute favorite shampoo and body wash for baby (and myself). Not only does it smell AMAZING, but is both gentle and effective without harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances. Other shampoos/washes I recommend and have used/use on my little one are Dr. Bronner’s Organic Sugar SoapEarth Mama Lavender Foaming Soap or un-scented, and Earth Mama Simply Non-Scents Baby Wash

    Nose & Cheek Balm / Vaseline Alternative
    This nose and cheek balm by Earth Mama Organics is perfect for drooly chins, runny noses, and protecting your little one’s skin from the elements. It is free of toxic chemicals and contains no petroleum yet is very effective.

    Diaper Pail
    While I absolutely do not think a diaper pail is necessary, many people still opt to have one. The Ubbi is the one we registered for. I love that it can use any type of bag, plus it really did “lock in the scent” … until you opened the can!

    Thermometer
    We’ve spent quite a bit on various kinds of thermometers over the years. This one by Vicks is awesome. In just 8 seconds, it gives an accurate reading, plus it’s only $10!

    Nail Clippers
    Made from bamboo and silicone, these little clippers are my favorite. They are so much easier to use than the Safety 1st ones we originally had.

    Nose Frida
    I debated putting the Nose Frida on my list because I have yet to use it, but I know so many people who swear by it and say it is the best thing ever for stuffy noses.

    Hand Sanitizer
    All Good Hand Sanitizer is fragrance-free and our go-to sanitizer for germy situations.



    Looking for more safe ideas for your little one?
    Visit my Amazon Storefront and check out the items I love!

    As always, thank you for reading!


    Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” Regardless, we only recommend products or services that have extensively researched; and products that we use personally, have used and would use in the future. We pride ourselves on honesty and integrity to our readers.

    Full Disclaimer and Disclosure here.

  • DIY & Recipes, Healthy Home

    Homemade Banana Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting!

    As the cooler weather approaches and we are spending a bit more time inside, my little one and I are always looking for new, fun recipes to try! These “healthy-ish” Banana Muffins were delicious and easy to make! Plus, we had all of the ingredients at home so it was a no brainer for us.

    INGREDIENTS:

    Banana Muffin* Ingredients

    Cream Cheese Frosting* Ingredients

    *All natural, organic ingredients were used in our recipe. All of the specific brands we used are linked!

    BAKING INSTRUCTIONS:

    1. Prepare the cupcake mix. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line your stainless steel muffin tray with muffin liners. We use these parchment paper liners – non-stick without any chemicals!
    2. In a large bowl, mush a banana. Then, add two eggs, coconut oil (1/4 cup), maple syrup (1/3 cup), and vanilla (1 tsp).
    3. Now add the flour (2 1/2 cups), baking soda (1/2 tsp), cinnamon (1 tsp), and salt (1/4 tsp). Mix well.
    4. Fill each muffin liner approximately two-thirds of the way full. Bake for 20 minutes or so at 350°F, until golden.
    5. Prepare the cream cheese frosting while the cupcakes are baking. Using a hand mixer, blend together cream cheese, powdered sugar (1 cup), butter (2 tbsp), vanilla (1 tsp), cinnamon (1/4 tsp), and salt (1/4 tsp). Chill for approximately 30 minutes.
    6. Frost the cupcakes once they have cooled and enjoy!
    Our delicious homemade cream cheese frosting!

    Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” Regardless, we only recommend products or services that have extensively researched; and products that we use personally, have used and would use in the future. We pride ourselves on honesty and integrity to our readers.

    Full Disclaimer and Disclosure here.

  • Beauty, Clean Living, Healthy Home

    8 Reasons To Live Minimally

    reasons to live minimally

    Is less really more? In today’s world, we are told to “keep up with the Joneses” or perhaps in our case to “keep up with the Kardashians”. But, will all of our material possessions, fast fashion choices, fancy cars, and gluttonous ways really make us happy? Or is less really more? The answer… lies within yourself.

    I’ll get more into that in a later post, but for now I will share the 8 reasons why I think we can all benefit from living with less.


    1. Less stress, more control.

    When our homes are filled with clutter, it clutters our minds and well. We can’t think as clearly and it can even affect our health. We may feel stressed by the mess, overflowing box of knicknacks, or like my husband, stressed because he cannot find what he is looking for amidst the clutter. The need to organize things which all too often are out of place, all can put unneeded stress into our lives. With less stuff around, you will feel more control of your life and less anxiety surrounding the the objects in your home. A sense of control helps to lessen anxiety and gives you a hold on your emotions.

    When friends and family come to visit, cleaning will be easier too!

    When you own less, you are able to organize in a way that is productive and helps you find things you need in an efficient manner rather than rummaging through a bunch of boxes.

    2. You will learn to be happy the way you are.

    Learning to realize that life is about experiences and people, rather than things is so important, and I think most will agree. The issue lies in that, we all too often do the exact opposite. We focus on our things rather than those around us. For instance, we may focus on buying the perfect gift, the perfect outfit, the cutest decor, the best car, the nicest house … and then filling the nicest house with the nicest accessories, just to replace it a few years (or less) later with more of the best stuff. By minimizing the about of ‘stuff’ you buy, you are able to focus on just that. You are also able to find a new wave of happiness.

    3. Your focus will shift from ‘quantity’ to ‘quality’.

    Rather than having an abundance of items that will end up in a landfill sooner than later, you will realize it is better to purchase quality items that will last much longer. This will also save you money in the long-run and since you are not purchasing a million cheaply made items, you will have the money to purchase items of better quality.

    4. You’ll save money.

    When you live with minimalism values, you will purchase less unnecessary things, saving you money and time. Instead of purchasing items on a whim, you will purchase things you actually love and will use. These are the items that will help add happiness to your life. (Notice: I said ‘add’ happiness, not ‘bring’ happiness to your life).

    5. You’ll realize memories aren’t made from things.

    Hoarding boxes of your grandmother’s china, kitchen accessories, lamps, and knicknacks will never replace the moments spent with your grandmother. While it may bring you back to those years spent, it will never even replace things like photos, videos, or memories. When you hoard things, you are not able to let go on an emotional level. You need to let go.

    6. But, you’ll appreciate the things you have.

    When you rid your home of clutter, you will be able to enjoy the things you truly love and cherish. Free of unneeded distractions, you’ll be able to focus on what makes your happy and be grateful for them.

    7. You’ll have more space.

    When you declutter, you are left with more space. A key point to remember is, once you have more space, do not fill it with more stuff. Enjoy the space for what it is. Every square inch of your home does not need to be filled with stuff.

    I remember when I moved into our first home. Complete with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, spacious living room, dining room, sunroom, and basement – each area of my new abode needed to be decorated and filled with the perfect compliments to create an inviting space for family and friends. At the time, it was just my husband and I, so I couldn’t wait to fill each room with STUFF just because I had the space to. Now, years later, I’ve decluttered quite a bit and can enjoy the space for what it is. Every counter no longer needs

    8. It’s better for the environment.

    When we stop giving in to the all of the commercial hype surrounding things, we are not only clearing our lives of the unessary, but we are also impacting the planet in a positive way. Every step matters.

    Ok… I’m guilty.

    “What if I need this one day?” is the question so many people, including myself ask. There are several ways to evaluate the answer to this question. For example, when it comes to an article of clothing, you may lose weight, gain weight, change your style, or simply like other items better. This concept can apply to other items you own as well.

    My final thoughts: Clearing our lives of clutter helps us see our lives through a clearer lens, ultimately leading us to live a less stressed, happier life.


    Thanks for reading!

  • Clean Living, Healthy Home

    Helpful Environmental Websites To Consider When Moving To A New Home

    Neighborhood environments where we live have a significant impact on our overall health. Below is a guide of helpful websites you may want to consider as you search for your new home!


    Envirofacts, part of the EPA website, is a great website to learn about where you live (or where you would like to live!) You simply enter your address, city, or zip code and can view information related to the quality of air, water, land, radiation, waste, and other toxins of the area.

    Antenna Search is a great resource for locating antennas, towers, and future towers in the area.

    Home Facts is a website where you can view schools in your area, sex offenders, environmental hazards, property assessments, population information and other relative home info.

    EPA Water Quality Standards (State Specific) provides water quality standards that EPA has approved or are otherwise in effect for Clean Water Act purposes.  This compilation is continuously updated as EPA approves new or revised WQS.

    EWG Tap Water Database Tool is a helpful tool you can use to access what contaminates and chemicals linger in your water supply. Simply type in your zip code.

    RadNet Database provides near real time radiation exposure.

    Drilling Maps is where you can view oil and gas drilling locations throughout the area.

    Power Plants Map – Health, Safety, Pollution Issues is a website dedicated to creating awareness of various illnesses potentially caused by living in close proximity to power stations (gas, oil, coal, nuclear).

    Power Reactor Map shows a map of the national nuclear power reactors.

    National Pipeline is where you can see maps of pipelines in the area.

    EPA Superfund Map shows where superfunds are located nationwide as well as a map of the current related cleanup.

    Toxic Sites maps out superfunds nationwide.

    FloodFactor is a site where you can view current and past flood risks.

    PFAS Contamination in Water Systems Map provides information as to where PFAS have contaminated public and private water supplies.

    Carcinogen 1, 4 Dioxane Map shows where the chemical has spread via water systems nationwide.

    USA Military Base Guide provides locations of bases.

    Organic, Non-GMO Report – Glyphosate includes the first map that shows global hotspots of glyphosate contamination.

    Upstream Reports is a website where you can view environmental quality information surrounding your home and assess how hazardous it may be.

    Good Guide Chemical Profiles is a tool to help guide consumers to more informed buying decisions (the website is offline for now, but a good resource when they resurface).

  • Babies & Kids, Clean Living, DIY & Recipes

    How To Make Homemade Baby Food

    Introducing your baby to food can be both exciting and scary. But, it doesn’t have to be! Making and serving homemade baby food is easier than ever and soon you’ll be on your way to filling your little one’s tiny tummy with delicious homemade purees!


    Essentials You’ll Need:

    Storage Options:

    • BABY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS
      We love these glass containers by OXO and still use them for snacks both at home and on the go! Tip: We have them in every color and when we made baby food, we would store different foods in each.
    • FREEZER BAG
      Reusable, non-toxic, eco-conscious Stasher Bags (love, love, love!) work great!
    • ICE CUBE TRAY
      OK, this one mighttt look like a torture device that you found in grandma’s basement, but it works, will last forever, and it’s not plastic!

    Other Must-Haves:


    Homemade Baby Food Steps

    Step 1: Prepare your produce

    Wash and scrub fresh produce. You can skip this step if you are using frozen produce. Peel and chop the produce, if needed. Don’t forget to sanitize your work surface, your hands and all tools you’ll be utilizing too.

    Step 2: Cook

    While many methods can be used when making homemade baby food, we used our Instant Pot (on steam mode) to make all of my daughter’s purees. It was quick, easy and preserved the most nutrients. You may also roast, bake, or microwave produce as well. Once cooked, let the food cool.

    Tip: Soft fruits and veggies like bananas and avocado do not need to be cooked first. Hence, why they were some of my favorites to use – Ha Ha!

    Step 3: Blend

    Transfer to your blender or food processor. Create a smooth consistency by adding a little water, breast milk, or formula. Add a little more if it still appears too thick. Soon you will become a master of “the eye-balling technique”!

    Tip: We used the blender mode rather than the food processor mode. Both methods work when making homemade baby food.

    Step 4: Baby Food Storage

    Store your food in block glass containers, mason jars, reusable freezer safe baggies, or ice cube trays. Homemade baby food can lasts months in the freezer, but no more than 3 days in the refrigerator.

    Step 5: Reheating and Defrosting

    A night or two before you feed, thaw baby food in the fridge. Remember to refrigerate food in between to feedings.


    Looking for more ‘must haves’ when it comes to for feeding your little one? Check out my Amazon Storefront here! I’ve listed all of my favorite bowls, plates, cups, bottles and so much more under the ‘Eat&Drink’ section! Oh, and if you’re still stumped when it comes to recipes for your little? Check out this book featuring homemade baby food, purees, and toddler meals! I received it as a gift and loved some of the ideas!

    Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” Regardless, we only recommend products or services that have extensively researched; and products that we use personally, have used and would use in the future. We pride ourselves on honesty and integrity to our readers.

    Full Disclaimer and Disclosure here.

  • Clean Living, DIY & Recipes, Healthy Home

    How To Season Cast-Iron

    Non-toxic, non-stick and versatile. Cast iron cookware is a healthier alternative to modern cookware that has been around since the dawn of time and will last a lifetime with proper care.

    This ‘essential kitchen staple’ allows you to cook with less oil than traditional stainless pans, while boasting naturally non-stick properties (free of chemicals!) that make frying, sautéing, and baking a breeze! Plus, cooking on cast iron increases your body’s iron content by adding iron into your food.

    From time to time, you will have to reseason your cast iron cookware so that it maintains its non-stick properties. Below is the method I’ve found works best!


    HOW TO SEASON CAST IRON

    1. Scrub the skillet with warm, soapy water. Steel wool works well!
    2. Dry thoroughly. And keep your pan dry to prevent rust in the future.
    3. Heat your skillet in the oven at 200°F to thoroughly dry it out and open up the “pores” for about 15 minutes.
    4. Spread a layer of oil (we use organic flax seed) on your skillet. Coat the inside and outside of your pan. Then, wipe it all off so that the pan looks dry!
    5. As the oven is preheating, place the skillet upside down on the middle rack at 400°F to 450°F. Don’t forget to put parchment paper under it to catch any excess oil!
    6. Bake for 1 hour. Let cool in the oven for 2 hours. Then, wipe away any excess oil.
    7. OPTIONAL (we recommend it!) : When we reseason our cast iron, we usually do 2 to 5 coats of oil for extra protection. After 1 hour, let it cool, then remove the skillet from the oven with an oven mitt. Add another thin layer of oil and wipe dry. Bake for 60 more minutes and repeat and many times as necessary. Note: I have read that you can bake for 30 minutes after the initial coat, but haven’t tried it yet.

    Now, you’re ready to cook on your newly reseasoned cast iron cookware!


    COMMON CAST IRON COOKWARE QUESTIONS

    How do I care for my cast iron cookware?
    Remember to dry your cast iron after each use and clean with warm water if needed. We also spread a thin layer of oil on our cast iron cookware after each use. Do not use soap unless you are trying to deseason and reseason.

    Why choose flaxseed oil?
    While some vegetable oils leave cast iron prone to scratching, flaxseed oil effectively bonds to cast iron, creating a smooth, hard surface. Flaxseed oil is also the food-grade equivalent of linseed oil, used by painters and woodworkers use to create a tough, protective layer. Note: I do not recommend using linseed oil on cast iron cookware.

    Why is my cast iron pan sticky?
    1. You used too much oil and have to rub a little more off.
    2. Your baking time was not long enough.

    Which cast iron pans should I purchase?
    Any cast iron cookware (that is truly cast iron) should work well for your cooking needs. Finex, Lodge, and Stargazer are good options for cast iron! Lodge uses oil that is not “non-GMO” therefore we deseason and reseason our Lodge pans to keep them affordable and free of any toxins.

    Which oil should I use?
    Pretty much any cooking oil can be used to reseason cast iron, but organic and non-GMO is best. We choose organic flaxseed which can be found in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store. Other good options include organic avocado oil, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, grapeseed oil.

    It is good to note, the temperature will need to be adjusted when cooking with certain oils, but should never exceed the smoke point of the oil. When oils are cooked past their smoke point, they release carcinogenic “free radicals” into our food. The smoke point of the oils I mentioned: Flaxseed (225°F), Avocado oil (520°F), Coconut oil (350°F), Extra Virgin Olive Oil (375°F), and Grapeseed oil (420°F).

    If your looking for a great read explaining why flaxseed works best for cast iron, check out “A Science-Based Technique for Seasoning Cast Iron”.
    Highly recommend it!

    Happy Cooking! XO


    Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” Regardless, we only recommend products or services that have extensively researched; and products that we use personally, have used and would use in the future. We pride ourselves on honesty and integrity to our readers.

    Full Disclaimer and Disclosure here.