Going Natural
I don't know about you, but I like to be in control of my life and what happens to me. This is why I make most of our food. This is why we eat real/whole foods. It is the same reason I exercise. If there is anything I can do to make sure that my family can live the healthiest lifestyle possible (without going crazy of course-moderation in all things!).
I've always had a desire to use better-for-you cleaning products and have used Green works for a few years now, but after reading Jillian Michaels' book Master your metabolism I've really had a desire to get rid a lot of the chemicals we have in our house. When I eat I try to eat food with the least amount of ingredients in it, especially if it is processed and from the store. The less ingredients the better, and if the ingredient list has ingredients I can't even pronounce, its probably a safe bet to stay away. So I started reading the labels on my shampoo, hairspray, cleaning items, soap, basically anything I used to clean with or put into my body, and I realized I didn't know what >95% of the ingredients are. SCARY! That must mean they are not very natural or good for you. Then I got overwhelmed because the products that are better for you are SUPER expensive. Like most families, we live on a budget and can't exactly afford every organic thing on the planet (my dream is to go all organic). So, I decided I would do some research.
I've heard vinegar is a natural cleaner and I've used it before but I don't like the strong smell of it so I wanted something more. I found this book at the library called, "The Naturally Clean Home by Karyn Siegel-Maier. After getting halfway through this book, I decided to buy it. There are all sorts of natural recipes from cleaning products for you kitchen to your bathroom, to your laundry . She also has natural ways to get rid of pests and to keep your house smelling fresh. I'm hooked. Her argument is that essential oils combined with things like baking soda and or vinegar and other natural ingredients will keep your house clean without all of the harsh chemicals found in cleaners. Essential oils are 100% pure oils extracted from natural ingredients like herbs and spices.
I've not tried any of the recipes yet because I'm slowly building up my supply of essential oils and other items I need to get started. So far I've bought 3 essential oils- Orange, Citronella, and Peppermint. I actually have made my own all purpose cleaner by mixing one part water with one part vinegar and adding a few of these oils. I love the smell and it cleans my house! I'm excited about all of this and feel its another way that I can strive to be more healthy. I'm slightly obsessed. Now I'm looking into making homemade body washes, scrubs, lotions, shampoo, toothpaste, and even homemade baby wipes to get rid of even more chemicals in our house. My pinterest is full of different recipes I want to try!
I'm considering sharing my findings and endeavors here. Is that something you all would enjoy? I'm so excited for this and I believe that this will lead me to a healthier life. If you want me to share what I find, I would love it. I can highlight different essential oils and cleaning products as well as a few of the recipes I enjoy the most. Let me know if you'd like that. I'm having fun!
I've always had a desire to use better-for-you cleaning products and have used Green works for a few years now, but after reading Jillian Michaels' book Master your metabolism I've really had a desire to get rid a lot of the chemicals we have in our house. When I eat I try to eat food with the least amount of ingredients in it, especially if it is processed and from the store. The less ingredients the better, and if the ingredient list has ingredients I can't even pronounce, its probably a safe bet to stay away. So I started reading the labels on my shampoo, hairspray, cleaning items, soap, basically anything I used to clean with or put into my body, and I realized I didn't know what >95% of the ingredients are. SCARY! That must mean they are not very natural or good for you. Then I got overwhelmed because the products that are better for you are SUPER expensive. Like most families, we live on a budget and can't exactly afford every organic thing on the planet (my dream is to go all organic). So, I decided I would do some research.
I've heard vinegar is a natural cleaner and I've used it before but I don't like the strong smell of it so I wanted something more. I found this book at the library called, "The Naturally Clean Home by Karyn Siegel-Maier. After getting halfway through this book, I decided to buy it. There are all sorts of natural recipes from cleaning products for you kitchen to your bathroom, to your laundry . She also has natural ways to get rid of pests and to keep your house smelling fresh. I'm hooked. Her argument is that essential oils combined with things like baking soda and or vinegar and other natural ingredients will keep your house clean without all of the harsh chemicals found in cleaners. Essential oils are 100% pure oils extracted from natural ingredients like herbs and spices.
I've not tried any of the recipes yet because I'm slowly building up my supply of essential oils and other items I need to get started. So far I've bought 3 essential oils- Orange, Citronella, and Peppermint. I actually have made my own all purpose cleaner by mixing one part water with one part vinegar and adding a few of these oils. I love the smell and it cleans my house! I'm excited about all of this and feel its another way that I can strive to be more healthy. I'm slightly obsessed. Now I'm looking into making homemade body washes, scrubs, lotions, shampoo, toothpaste, and even homemade baby wipes to get rid of even more chemicals in our house. My pinterest is full of different recipes I want to try!
I'm considering sharing my findings and endeavors here. Is that something you all would enjoy? I'm so excited for this and I believe that this will lead me to a healthier life. If you want me to share what I find, I would love it. I can highlight different essential oils and cleaning products as well as a few of the recipes I enjoy the most. Let me know if you'd like that. I'm having fun!
Comments