For the past 8 years or so, I've wanted to make some major changes with our lifestyle. I've made small changes before but they seemed to never stick. A part of my problem was that I was on my own with these changes. It's very hard to make changes for an entire family, whether good or bad, with only one person.
After doing some reading and research, my sweet husband is finally on board! I can't tell you how excited I am for this and what it's going to do for my family.
My goal and challenge for this coming year is to get rid of all the chemicals, preservatives, and junk that fills our lives. This is no easy task and not a cheap one either. At least with some of the items that we will be purchasing.
Our plan is to replace household items with safer alternatives as we run out. We've already changed toothpaste, body wash, shampoo and conditioners. We still have many more items to change out.
Here are the things that we have changed:
Toothpaste:
Ed went with a natural toothpaste from a local health foods store. It's a nice option but also pricey. It was about $4 for a single tube.
To save money, I made toothpaste. It taste a lot like baking soda and Ed said that my breath, though did not stink, smelled like oil.
To make homemade natural toothpaste
mix together- 1/4 c baking soda, 1/4 c organic coconut oil, 1 T sea salt, few drops peppermint oil.
Body Wash:
We picked up some Dr. Bronners soap and Ed really likes it. I still have some of my body wash/soap to use up before I switch over.
Shampoo & Condition:
Ed is using the Dr. Bronners soap to also wash his hair and for shaving. I'm a bit more leery to wash my hair with an all purpose soap. I guess I really won't know unless I try it. I opted for a homemade shampoo and conditioner.
For the shampoo
Mix together 1 T baking soda, 2 cups water, 10 drops essential oil of your choice.
After wetting your hair in the shower, put the mixture on and work through your hair. I had a large measuring cup that I used but I think a squeeze bottle would be easier to use. Some websites say to use 1 part baking soda to 3 parts water. I think this will be an experiment until I get the amount that my hair needs.
I used it for the first time today and was surprised. I thought that it would be hard to work through my hair or that it would be full of tangles. I was told that there will be a few weeks for your hair to adjust to this and that it will probably feel differently the second time that I use it.
For the conditioner
Mix together 2 T apple cider vinegar, 2 cups water, 10 drops essential oil of your choice. Work through hair. I let it sit on my hair while I washed my body. Rinse with cold water.
After doing some reading and research, my sweet husband is finally on board! I can't tell you how excited I am for this and what it's going to do for my family.
My goal and challenge for this coming year is to get rid of all the chemicals, preservatives, and junk that fills our lives. This is no easy task and not a cheap one either. At least with some of the items that we will be purchasing.
Our plan is to replace household items with safer alternatives as we run out. We've already changed toothpaste, body wash, shampoo and conditioners. We still have many more items to change out.
Here are the things that we have changed:
Toothpaste:
Ed went with a natural toothpaste from a local health foods store. It's a nice option but also pricey. It was about $4 for a single tube.
To save money, I made toothpaste. It taste a lot like baking soda and Ed said that my breath, though did not stink, smelled like oil.
To make homemade natural toothpaste
mix together- 1/4 c baking soda, 1/4 c organic coconut oil, 1 T sea salt, few drops peppermint oil.
Body Wash:
We picked up some Dr. Bronners soap and Ed really likes it. I still have some of my body wash/soap to use up before I switch over.
Shampoo & Condition:
Ed is using the Dr. Bronners soap to also wash his hair and for shaving. I'm a bit more leery to wash my hair with an all purpose soap. I guess I really won't know unless I try it. I opted for a homemade shampoo and conditioner.
For the shampoo
Mix together 1 T baking soda, 2 cups water, 10 drops essential oil of your choice.
After wetting your hair in the shower, put the mixture on and work through your hair. I had a large measuring cup that I used but I think a squeeze bottle would be easier to use. Some websites say to use 1 part baking soda to 3 parts water. I think this will be an experiment until I get the amount that my hair needs.
I used it for the first time today and was surprised. I thought that it would be hard to work through my hair or that it would be full of tangles. I was told that there will be a few weeks for your hair to adjust to this and that it will probably feel differently the second time that I use it.
For the conditioner
Mix together 2 T apple cider vinegar, 2 cups water, 10 drops essential oil of your choice. Work through hair. I let it sit on my hair while I washed my body. Rinse with cold water.
