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”
Tag: DIY
DIY Staples + Pricing
One of the biggest issues I hear when it comes to living this toxin-free lifestyle are the upfront costs.
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?
Step-by-Step Toxin-Free Living Week 2
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
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
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.
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!!
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…
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
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
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 >>>>
Non-Toxic Shave Gel
The search for the perfect shave gel has been on for years!
Once I started chasing this non-toxic life, I realized it might be even harder (and it was) to find an option that fit my needs.
Finally, I have found the gel that is both safe and works great!
Non-Toxic Baby Powder
Had I known how easy and cheap making my own baby powder was, I would’ve started this a long time ago!
Currently our choices are doom and gloom or pay through the nose for a few ounces of the stuff.
I call shenanigans!
DIY Herringbone Entryway Bench
I couldn’t settle for just anything when I designed our entryway bench.
Best DIY Sun Lotion
The sun is not my friend.
I want to look beautifully bronzed, but it refuses, leaving me lobster-red instead. The worst part? I inherited my mother’s skin, which means as the daughter of a Stage 4 Melanoma survivor, I have to be extra careful.
Simple DIY Headboard
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!
Safe DIY 3 Ingredient Lotion
The first time I needed intense therapy lotion was when Hudson was in the hospital.
Toxin-Free Self Tanner
Sun-kissed.
Golden.
Glowing.
These three words will literally never be applied to my natural skin tone.
Non-Toxic 2 Ingredient Hand Soap
One winter break in college, I worked for a company that sold all things smelly-good. Lotions, candles, soaps.
Your home wasn’t complete until every sink in the house donned your favorite scent. You couldn’t visit someone without smelling of vanilla or cucumbers or apple pie when you left.
Since then, we know a little more about what we’re buying when we give in to the gimmicks and the desire to smell like a cookie after using the restroom.
The Non-Toxic Deodorant You’ve Been Waiting for!
Search no further.
It’s here.
The deodorant we’ve been waiting for has finally arrived.
Continue reading “The Non-Toxic Deodorant You’ve Been Waiting for!”
Simple +Quick+Filling: Banana Maple Muffins
“Momma! I’m hungry!”
“Me, too, Momma! For reals!”
I look at the clock feeling slightly unsure as to why they would be wanting-wait a minute!
Continue reading “Simple +Quick+Filling: Banana Maple Muffins”
Non-Toxic Dishwasher Detergent
Once upon a time…
I thought there would never be a dishwasher detergent that actually got my dishes clean.
You know…company-is-coming-over -this-is-not-a-drill clean.
However, once I realized it wasn’t the dishwasher’s fault (installing a new dishwasher is a great way of figuring this out for sure), I started the search.
I guess my first clue that there was something really wrong was when Continue reading “Non-Toxic Dishwasher Detergent”
Let ’em Fly!
In response to sickness and the Ohio weather shifting from mid 70s to upper 30s overnight, we present to you some indoor fun…
**drumroll please**
Non-Toxic Dish Soap
I put this off. For a long time.
I wish I was the kind of girl who would jump in and happily hand wash a dish when it was huge and wouldn’t fit in with the dishwasher load, but I’m just not.
Nope. Not about that life.
Should be. But. Just. Can’t.
So, since most everything goes in the dishwasher, I let this be one of the last switches I’ve made for our family, and now that I see how easy it is and how terrible the “good” options are that I bought, I’m (per usual) annoyed at my learn-the-hard-way lifestyle.
A Line Lifted is a Line Loved
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!
Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent
It always seemed a little suspect that I could barely handle the smell of the laundry detergent aisle.
Wasn’t it odd that something made to smell great made me nauseous?
I guess because of this, I wasn’t too surprised to find how dangerous they are.
The worst part?
Non-Toxic Fabric Softener
We’ve all seen those Pins that boast the many uses of dryer sheets.
Our baseboards are clean, our hair never has flyaways, and our dogs never smell like rain.
Unfortunately, there is one major piece of information missing. Continue reading “Non-Toxic Fabric Softener”