Choosing Healthy(-ier) Products

In today’s world, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the amount of choices we have to sift through when we’re choosing products to use in our homes. Should I buy organic? Or all natural? Should I buy Non-GMO? These are just a few of the questions that circle my mind when deciding which products to buy.

Several of my very good Mama friends and I have been sharing information and findings on how to make an easy transition into a healthier home. There’s never a better time (than now!) to start making changes. However, if we just up and threw everything away and started over, it would be really expensive. I have slowly been making improvements and would like to share a few helpful tips.

First, choose an area of your home that you would like to start. I began with my kids’ bath products and diaper creams/oils. Their sensitive and new skin deserves the utmost care and sensitive choices to help keep it soft, smooth, and free from rashes or other skin conditions. We are currently using Honest Company shampoo and body wash along with Beautycounter sunscreen, diaper cream, and baby soothing oil.

Second, I highly suggest you download two different apps:

1. EWGs Healthy Living | Skin Deep

2. Think Dirty

Between these two apps, you will be able to do several things: search food, beauty, and home cleaning products you’re currently using and see how they rate on a toxicity scale (the higher the number, the worse the product is for you), scan barcodes while you’re shopping in the store to see how they rate, give you a list of safer alternatives, and help educate you on chemicals that are used and how they can affect you. For instance, I had been using Neutrogena Grapefruit wash for many many years. I wanted to see how it rated; it scored an 8/10. This was disheartening. I loved the way it made my face feel but felt defeated and knew I could find something safer. Skin Deep suggested the product line Acure, which I absolutely love. I’m currently using the Brilliantly Brightening facial scrub and Seriously Soothing facial cleanser. Win! As part of my nighttime regimen I use Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel followed up with the Brightening Facial Oil (I am obsessed with this combination 😊).

Third, I am a huge fan of Norwex. If you haven’t used their products yet, I highly suggest  starting with a set of Kitchen Cloths. They have “BacLock, an antibacterial agent for self-cleansing purposes only. The agent is solely designed to inhibit odor from bacteria, mold and/or mildew growth within the product.” (Norwex 2018) The microfibers serve as an antibacterial holder and scoop up any other germs and messes on your surfaces– and you only use water. Aside from those miraculous rags, my absolute favorite product of theirs is the Window Cloth. I have endless smudges on my windows and storm doors from pudgy toddler hands and fingers. This rag only uses water and magically leaves the windows streak free … no Windex needed in my home anymore! 🙌🏻 I also make some of my own cleaning products using Vinegar and DoTerra Essential oils. In particular, my floor cleaning spray includes Vinegar, Water, and Lemon/Wild Orange essential oils. I use a regular microfiber cloth mop that I throw in the washing machine when I’m done.

Fourth, I mentioned DoTerra essential oils. There are other brands Mamas use, such as: Young Living, Rocky Mountain Oils, and Plant Therapy. I have not used the other brands, but am certain they are wonderful. This summer I got really sick and had debilitating headaches. Because I’m pumping [breastmilk] I am limited to what I can take. So, instead of popping Excedrin, I have been rubbing peppermint oil on my neck like it’s my job. Within minutes I feel sweet relief. Another constant flow in my diffuser is their proprietary blend, On Guard, which is a clove smelling wonder that helps purify the air I breathe while sick. Bug bites on kids? A little coconut oil and a drop of lavender will do the trick; no itches, no scratching, no scabs. Yes, please! I highly recommend choosing a brand and having a few go-tos on hand. Although I have many different oils, I would say that my most frequently used are: Lavender, Peppermint, and On Guard.

Lastly, remember that it’s a long journey to creating a safer home. It can be really scary once you start reading about the things that are in the products we use. It’s a journey that can begin with a few changes here and there and ultimately help improve overall health and safety in your family’s life. I am learning a lot and I’m considering it a marathon–not a sprint. My home is by no means an entirely safe or chemical-free home just yet. However, I know that it’s something that I can do, for both my family and me! And as I’m learning more and finding out more information, one of the biggest components for me, is that it doesn’t have to be expensive. A lot of safe products are reasonably priced (or cheaper!). And if you’re like me, you have a lot of questions and like to find answers. So, please remember that there are many Mamas within the Band of Mamas who have knowledge of this topic that would love to help. If you have questions, comments, or thoughts to share, please reach out!

Cheers to happy, healthy, and safer homes 😘

XO,

Linds
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