Category: Sweet Home

Step-by-Step Toxin-Free Living: Week 4

Published on by graceblossoms1

Toxin-Free Floor Cleaner

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When it comes to our flooring, it was tough to find a product on the market that had no warnings.

The floor is where our babies play, our animals relax, and they have a role in our whole-home toxicity.

The convenience of grabbing carpet or hard surface cleaner at the store is nice, but it’s not worth it if you’re choosing organ, reproductive, and respiratory- destroying products in the process.

Hard Surface Flooring

Option 1:

The one we use in our home (because we use it in place of TEN toxic cleaners) is Thieves Household Cleaner.

We simply fill this refillable mop with hot water, add one capful of Thieves Household Cleaner, and mop away with amazing results!

The best part about this cleaner is the wonderful smell!

It’s like Christmas and coziness all wrapped up into one. We always get compliments after mopping!

Option 2:

I have used Babyganics products in the past, so I chose them as the in-store buy, but please know that this company does have some products that rate an “F,” and therefore cannot be fully trusted.

Babyganics Floor Cleaner

I am choosing from EWG but have never actually used this cleaner. I wouldn’t personally waste my time only because I know Thieves Household Cleaner is so effective and I always have it on hand.

However, if you’re looking for a quick buy and are willing to try it out, Babyganics rates as an “A,” even if it does have a vision concern.

Carpet Cleaners

Unfortunately there were no carpet cleaners that scored an “A” without any concerns, but feel free to see what did make the “A” list here.

Option 1:

When it comes to carpets, Thieves still comes in handy! I add one capful of Thieves Household Cleaner to 1 C baking soda, sprinkle on the carpet and scrub in with a bristled brush in those extra stubborn spots.

Let sit for an hour, and vacuum.

Option 2:

Add 1C baking soda to a glass bowl.

Drop 5 or 6 drops of Young Living’s Purification essential oil blend or Citrus Fresh blend in and stir.

Sprinkle on carpet. Scrub stubborn spots. Let sit for an hour, and vacuum.

Final Thoughts

For our family, buying doesn’t make sense in the store. Why waste our money on something that might work, when I already have Thieves Household Cleaner and purifying oils in my cabinet?

It’s also super easy to make, works so well, and leaves our home smelling so fresh!

How to Get the Products Above

You have three options.

Option 1: The Premium Starter Kit (best value)

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Benefits

  • 24% discount for life on all products
  • No obligation to buy-ever
  • The leading essential oils available
  • You can visit the farms and watch the entire process seed-to-seal.
  • You can choose a monthly wellness box like me and receive up to $200 in free products each month
  • Tons of guidance and support
  • Free Welcome Kit and personalized help

Option 2: Basic Starter Kit

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Pros + Cons

PROS:

  • 24% discount for life on all products
  • No obligation to buy-ever
  • The leading essential oils available
  • You can visit the farms and watch the entire process seed-to-seal
  • You can choose a monthly wellness box like me and receive up to $200 in free products each month
  • Tons of guidance and support
  • Free Welcome Kit and personalized help

CONS:

  • Much slower start toward a toxin-free life than Premium Starter Kit
  • Doesn’t come with a diffuser

YL + Toxin-Free Living

I chose Young Living after spending a long time researching.

Young Living made sense for our family because it was a source I could trust when I kept running into different companies off the shelf that I couldn’t.

However you choose to live toxin-free, make sure you research using free resources like ewg.org to learn the truth about your products and keep your family as safe as possible for generations to come.

Step-by-Step Toxin-Free Living Week 3

Published on by graceblossoms1

Confession: I hate cleaning the oven and stove.

Alas, it must be done.

I would like, however, to propose that it no longer has to be done with poison. Continue reading “Step-by-Step Toxin-Free Living Week 3” →

DIY Staples + Pricing

Published on by graceblossoms1

One of the biggest issues I hear when it comes to living this toxin-free lifestyle are the upfront costs.

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We’ve already nailed down how much each of our toxic products cost (minus doctor visits for what it does to our bodies), and we’ve added that into our budget, so how do we make the switch without breaking the bank?

What’s even harder to figure out is how we’re going to front this cost while still buying the toxic products as we wait to gather the non-toxic.

I’ve created this list of what is used the very most in common recipes and some average pricing that comes along with it, so you can budget out how to get started on this cleaner, healthier life.

DIY Staples + Pricing

1.) Coconut oil: $15 for 32 oz.

I get the big tub because this is such a necessity for so many recipes. I also use it for cooking or popping popcorn, so it makes sense. Also, every time I pull it out, I only need a couple tablespoons, so it lasts a good, long while.

2.) Beeswax: $15

First, let me give you some advice.

You may see an opportunity to save some money by getting the beeswax bars. Save yourself! Don’t do it!

My friend, Laurie and I got a good laugh out of our frustration from trying to slowly chip away at and shave a block of beeswax once, and while it was surely funny, in the end it was something that wouldn’t have been quite so hilarious if I was in my own kitchen trying to make it just another part of my day.  Trust me. Get the pellets.

I also find this to be such a great money saver because again, I can get so many uses out of this beeswax bag, and the recipes make so much that I save a ton in comparison to buying any in-store organic or toxin-free options! For example, 3 tbs. of beeswax will make 30 tubes of chapstick. Talk about savings!

3.) Baking Soda: $5

Oh my goodness, do I ever use the heck out of baking soda!

However, it’s only a small amount at a time, so this 4 lb. bag really lasts a good, long time!

4.) Shea Butter: $12

Shea butter, how I love you. I only use such a small amount in recipes that stretch for so long that I maybe only buy shea once or twice a year!

5.) Castile Soap: $16

Again, I use such a small amount each time, but the products I make with it last so long that I come out ahead every time!

TOTAL: $63

Recipes Using the Staples

Sun Lotion
Three Ingredient Lotion
Self Tanner/Bronzer
Non-Toxic Handsoap
Deodorant
Dishwasher Detergent
Powerful Grease-Cutting Dish Soap
Laundry Detergent
Fabric Softener
Baby Wipes
Makeup Remover
Best Chapstick Ever!
Face Wash
Shaving Gel

Real Life Uses

As I shared in my Step-By-Step Toxin-Free Living guide, I choose to mix my DIY with in-store and Young Living purchases.

I do this for both convenience as well as current needs.

For example, having all the ingredients I need for sun lotion (screen) is super important to me with two little boys and skin myself that burns easily. I hate running out and getting to the store just to find the toxin-free options are sold out or way over priced.

On the flip side, I cannot find a conditioner in the store or in DIY form yet that can match Young Living’s Lavender Mint conditioner. Seven months into this 10 oz. bottle with my horse’s tail-like head of hair, I’m shocked at how well it’s stretched, so why not earn 25% back with a 24% discount on a product that I love?

Finally, I choose to buy something like shampoo because I’ve yet to find one that fits my crazy hair like this one. However I do make sure I use my ewg.org app. each time I pick up a new bottle just to make sure it hasn’t undergone any changes in formula that will make it toxic.

Final Note

These are simply the staples. The ingredients that we use time and again.

Of course there will be others that come up often like washing soda for cleaning or vitamin E for skincare, but my advice no matter what is this: go at your own pace.

Not sure where to start?

Try my Step-by-Step Toxin-Free Living guide!

Step-by-Step Toxin-Free Living Week 2

Published on by graceblossoms1

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In the coming weeks, we will dive into cost-effective and toxin-free ways to clean your home.

Along the way, we will throw out some of the most harmful products in your cabinets.

This week we will tackle one that will cover lots of bases: Multi-Purpose Cleaner.

BEST OVERALL PICK

While I will provide other DIY options, Thieves Household Cleaner is my number one, overall pick because I have seen its power first-hand and know for a fact that it will never be altered in a way that makes it toxic.

The best part about Thieves Household Cleaner is that you will see it as an option for the next several weeks.

This means that you will be able to ditch tons of bottles by the end of this series to not only make your home safer, but to save you tons of money!

IN-STORE OPTIONS

I always try my best to give both in-store as well as DIY options.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t anything clean enough for me to add in this post when it comes to in-store multi-purpose cleaner.

Feel free to check out other ewg.org rated “A” multi-purpose cleaners that are already put together, but the washing soda is the only option without any possible harm.

POWERFUL + SIMPLE DIY OPTIONS

Below are three DIY options for you.

DIY 1

The first is the easiest, and my choice for our family.

Thieves (concentrated) Household Cleaner comes in two different sizes. 14.4 and 64 oz. In the small bottle, you can make 30+ spray bottles of multi-purpose spray! Just one more reason why this is my top pick!

Recipe

Fill a 16 oz. glass spray bottle, and add 1 capful of Thieves Household Cleaner.

That’s it! Enjoy!

DIY 2

The second DIY option is still easy and only takes a few ingredients.

When it comes to adding in essential oils, I chose Lemon and Purification because they are known for cutting grease and creating an overall seriously clean surface.

Recipe

In a 16 oz. glass spray bottle, add the following:

Warm water almost to the bottom of the neck. Leave room for the other ingredients.

1/2 tsp. washing soda

1 tsp. liquid Castile  soap

4 drops Young Living Lemon essential oil

4 drops Young Living Purification essential oil blend

DIY 3

The third and final recipe is one I like if I’m in a pinch because it calls for staples from my pantry that I always have on hand at a moment’s notice.

Again, I have chosen the essential oils because oils, and for multi-purpose cleaner use especially, make a typical recipe super powered!

Recipe

1C white vinegar

1TBS baking soda

1C warm water (from tap is fine)

Mix all three in a 16 oz. glass spray bottle to dissolve the baking soda. Once cooled, add 4 drops Young Living Lemon essential oil and 4 drops Young Living Purification essential oil blend.

Real Life Use

It does make it easy to always choose Thieves Household Cleaner with my 24% discount. Pouring one capful into a bottle full of water? It doesn’t get much easier than that for toxin-free living!

It’s just so practical and (as you’ll see in the coming weeks) useful throughout our home.

How to Get Thieves Household Cleaner

You have three options for how to get this cleaner in your home.

Option 1: Retail

Click the following link to be taken to a page to buy oils: Young Living Oils: Retail. You’ll choose the “Retail” or full price option, search Thieves Household Cleaner, choose which size bottle you want, and check out.

Option 2: Basic Starter Kit 24% Discount

The basic starter kit is $45.

It comes with an essential oil blend called Stress Away, a Thieves Household Cleaner sample, and two packets of a wellness drink called Ningxia Red.

You will get your own login and password to shop whenever you feel like it at a 24% discount.

No obligations to buy-ever.

Option 3: Premium Starter Kit 24% Discount

The Premium Starter Kit is $160.

It comes with the following:

  • Diffuser
  • Premium Essential Oils Collection;
    • Lavender 5-ml (sleep, cleaning, skin support)
    • Peppermint Vitality™ 5-ml (digestion, energy, tension support)
    • Lemon Vitality™ 5-ml (cleaning, purifying, immune support)
    • Copaiba Vitality™ 5-ml (overall wellness, intensifies other oils)
    • Frankincense 5-ml (grounding, wellness, immune support)
    • Thieves® Vitality™ 5-ml (immune support)
    • Citrus Fresh™ 5-ml (smells, immune support, digestion)
    • Raven™ 5-ml (respiratory support)
    • DiGize™ Vitality™ 5-ml (digestive support)
    • PanAway® 5-ml (muscle support)
  • Stress Away™ 5-ml (emotional support)
  • AromaGlide™ Roller Fitment
  • Thieves Household Cleaner 1-oz. sample
  • 2 NingXia Red® 2-oz. samples

You still have no obligation to buy. You still enjoy your discount.

However, I chose this route because it was the fastest way to toxin-free living. You’ll notice this week I’ve added oils as well as last week to my DIY recipes.

That’s because they kick the cleaning power up in a big way!

Please feel free to join me on Facebook at Grace Blossoms Non-Toxic Living for extra guidance and ideas as we head into week three. I’ll also be posting on Instagram @grace_blossoms_blog with tips in my feed as well with ways to use the weekly guide in my InstaStories!

I hope you are as blessed by this week’s switch as our family has been.

See you next week!

~Andrea 🙂

 

WEEK 3: Oven Cleaner>>>>>

Step-by-Step Toxin-Free Living: Week 1

Published on by graceblossoms1

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Welcome to this week-by-week simplified version of going completely non-toxic!

My dream since starting Grace Blossoms was to walk families through the non-toxic process step-by-step, and I am so blessed to say it’s finally here!

Prerequisite

Please don’t let this shy you away from this amazing transformation! I just want to make sure that we’re totally clear about what is needed to walk through this together.

You agree to ditch fake stuff.

Step-by-Step Toxin-Free Living (1)

Before you even think about jumping into this class, I have to ask (even beg if I must!) that you rid your home of any and all synthetic fragrances.

It’s painful. I know it is because I’ve done it.

Survived the marital argument about wasted money. Cringed as years of finding my favorite scents got tossed into the oversized garbage bag.

BUT.

It. Is. SO. WORTH. IT!!

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Go ahead. Take the plunge.

Here are some main offenders you’ll need to hunt down:

-air fresheners

-candles (yes, even soy and other “special” ones)

-wall plug-ins

-wax melts

-fake, store bought essential oils (yes, those are synthetic!)

-room sprays

Why is it so important to completely rid your home of synthetic smells?

Our homes are 3-5 times more toxic (AKA carcinogenic, hormone disrupting, respiratory debilitating, developmentally harmful, environmentally harmful) than the outdoor pollution because of toxins in our homes. Synthetic fragrance is a HUGE contributor!

Ready? Drumroll, please…

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That mountain fresh scent you’ve come to love? It’s killing you.

Man, do I hate being the bearer of that bad news.

So many people get angry hearing it, but I only share it with love and because I know it will help your family in so many ways.

Decisions, Decisions…

Okay, you’ve got to figure out what kind of non-toxic kind of person you are. There are three types:

Type 1: The Hardcore DIY-er.

You’re cool with stocking up on all the ingredients and going boldly into the DIY lifestyle.

Type 2: The Straight Shooter.

A person who just wants the link to whatever works so you can move on with life.

Type 3: The Combo.

If you’re like me, you’re a combination of both, so I’ll offer both each time we make a switch.

Laundry Detergent

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Option 1: Simple and Awesome DIY Recipe!

You’ll want to bookmark this amazing DIY detergent recipe that has been our family’s go-to for a while now.

Best DIY Laundry Detergent Recipe: DIY Laundry Detergent

Option 2: Links to Non-Toxic Detergents

Keep in mind that the only one you can actually count on never going toxic is the Young Living option.

There have been many times when I’ve found that after a good amount of time using an off-the-shelf product, they’ve changed their formula, and it no longer is clean enough for our home.

Young Living’s Thieves Laundry Detergent: Click HERE

Attitude Little Ones Laundry Detergent, Fragrance Free

I wanted so badly to give you this big list of detergents you could click and buy, but this was the only one that rated an “A” and also had no concerns for asthma, cancer, environmental, Skin Allergies & Irritation, or Developmental & Reproductive Toxicity.

If you’d like to go to EWG’s website to see all those who rate an “A” feel free, but I must warn you against any that have a scent.

There’s a serious misconception that fragrance is somehow natural when it’s labeled as something we commonly use (i.e. grapefruit, lavender, eucalyptus), but the truth is that unless it discloses that Young Living is supplying its oils to create a fragrance, you’re getting synthetic fragrance, which means you’re messing with your body’s hormones, increasing your cancer risk, etc.

Real Life Use

As a mom running every which way, I must say I really don’t mind the five minutes it takes to make the DIY detergent. The links in the recipe lead to buying in bulk, which means I have all the ingredients I need to make this about once a month for a little over $3 per month, saving me lots without much trouble.

Fabric Softener

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One of the worst offenders when it comes to our home’s air quality is fabric softener and dryer sheets. They release fragrance that sticks to your clothes and whose chemicals enter into your blood stream through your largest organ-your skin.

Option 1: Super Fast DIY

This DIY is literally two ingredients. You can add dryer balls to the dryer with a few drops of essential oils (we like the Premium Starter Kit options of Citrus Fresh, Lemon, or Lavender).

DIY Recipe Here:  2 Ingredient Fabric Softener

Option 2: Links to Non-Toxic Fabric Softener

So many people have fallen in love with throwing a Young Living baby wipe in the dryer as their dryer sheet that I have to share it!

Young Living Seedlings Baby Wipes:YL Baby Wipes

Attitude Little Ones Fabric Softener-Fragrance Free:Ewg.org Approved Attitude Little One’s Softener

Real Life Use

Mixing two ingredients together once a month for a few bucks and reusing our dryer balls whenever we want a little extra fragrance is my personal choice because it’s just too easy not to!

My boys are older, but we still find ourselves in need of wipes now and then after snack, especially if we’re on-the-go, so I am definitely considering grabbing some Seedlings wipes!

Final Thoughts…

Just by removing all air fresheners from your home and switching your detergent and softener, you have created a much cleaner and safer environment for your family!

While the idea of pulling all the toxins from your home can be daunting, please remember that what you’re doing this week is making a huge difference and to give yourself grace through this process.

You will get there, and I do so wish I would’ve done it this way instead of the panicky, scrambled way I learned.

Please feel free to message me on my Facebook page or to post your own thoughts and questions on this week’s switch on that platform, so we can all work together toward a better, cleaner, and safer future!

Make it Even Simpler

If you’d like to find out how to get the simplest form of this amazing toxin-free life, click here.

WEEK 2: Multi-Purpose Cleaner >>>>

 

Step-by-Step Toxin-Free Living (103)

Essential Oil Hacks You Need NOW!

Published on by graceblossoms1

Whether you’re researching the life blood of plants, sitting with your new kit in front of you, or an old pro, these tips can make life so much easier!

Continue reading “Essential Oil Hacks You Need NOW!” →

Essential Oil Hacks You Need NOW: Part 2

Published on by graceblossoms1

Use Young Living Oils and products to make your home toxin free!

Continue reading “Essential Oil Hacks You Need NOW: Part 2” →

DIY Herringbone Entryway Bench

Published on by graceblossoms1

I couldn’t settle for just anything when I designed our entryway bench.

Continue reading “DIY Herringbone Entryway Bench” →

Simple DIY Headboard

Published on by graceblossoms1

There’s just something about a headboard that makes the entire space of a master bedroom look cozy. Complete. Put together.

The only problem we had was choosing one that fit our style.

Oh, and that didn’t cost a fortune.

Thankfully, an idea came to mind after seeing some Pinspiration and watching some home renovation shows.

There was hope!

Continue reading “Simple DIY Headboard” →

A Line Lifted is a Line Loved

Published on by graceblossoms1

My middle school classroom needed a little extra color, but I didn’t want to fill my walls with the standard posters I’d been using in the past.

I wanted something unique. Something that would strike a chord in the students I see each day.

Something to build character.

I was feeling a little crafty, and I like quotes, so creating canvases with some of my favorite lines made sense.

I really like how they turned out!

Continue reading “A Line Lifted is a Line Loved” →

Super Storage!

Published on by graceblossoms1

I’ll admit it.

When Steve wanted to get the kids superhero costumes, I didn’t think they’d use them all that often.

In the end we bought them because of his ultimate trump card when it comes to our children.

He knows more about being a little boy than I do.

So, I clicked “Add to Cart” even though I didn’t really see them playing (what was in my mind )”dress up.”

Fortunately, I was so very wrong.

Continue reading “Super Storage!” →

Warm and Cozy Lighting

Published on by graceblossoms1

Something you should know if you follow this blog is that my husband can do anything.

I mean it. Anything.

I point to pictures for remodeling, and he just…does it. Creates it. Poof! Out of thin air.

This bookshelf lighting is just one of many projects you’ll see we’ve tackled over the nearly five years living here.

Continue reading “Warm and Cozy Lighting” →

The Wall of Us

Published on by graceblossoms1

When we remodeled our living room, I knew tackling this super-long wall was going to take some extra love and a whole lot of patience. It didn’t disappoint.

I’d been looking into galleries for a while, but nothing I saw matched what I wanted exactly. Finally, after a long time of frustrated searching, I realized why.

Continue reading “The Wall of Us” →