In Northern Michigan, where we’re headed soon on a road trip, there are lots and lots of little biting bugs. And when evening comes, these little biting bugs all seem to all love to feast on me.
I won’t put DEET on myself or on my family, so I’ve tried a number of natural insect repellants over the years. I found one that worked decently that utilizes various essential oils, which we’ve bought and used for the last few years.… Continue reading
High quality store-bought face creams are very expensive. Not only are they costly, they often contain parabens, phalates, and whole host of other toxic ingredients. A couple of years ago, I stopped using a store-bought formula, for even though I was buying an alternative green product, it still had a few ingredients I wasn’t thrilled about. Instead I started using plain coconut oil on my face.… Continue reading
The other day I was reading about the many hazardous chemicals contained in everyday cleaners. While we’ve replaced most of the cleaning products in our home with safer versions or products that I make for us, it’s rather concerning to me that trying to clean up can be linked with so many health hazards.
We’ve been using a “green” scouring powder for years.… Continue reading
During the winter time when we see sick people all around us, I frequently feel the need to encourage my boys to wash their hands after touching things that seem less than sanitary. We all have sensitive skin, and the soaps in public restrooms often make us break out in rashes. Further, many places use antibacterial soaps, which are one of the sources of antibiotic resistance, in addition to being full of many unwanted toxic chemicals.… Continue reading
Our local markets all have a section where they sell fancy soaps. Frequently, sitting with these soaps, are a bin of bath bombs. My 5-year-old has become obsessed with them. The idea of having something that smells good and fizzes in his bath is really appealing to him. The biggest problem: they’re $5 each.
The high cost, in addition to some questionable ingredients, led me to decide that we were going to make our own bath bombs.… Continue reading
As part of my ongoing quest to remove controllable toxins from our lives (I figure there will always be things beyond my control, but I try to eliminate chemical nasties where I can) I started making my own cleaners to use around the house. I love knowing exactly what’s in the cleaners I’m using. Further, I can use essential oils not only to make them smell great, but also to increase their effectiveness.… Continue reading
A few days ago a friend came over with her two children. One of them had a drippy nose.
While my boys are typically very healthy, I know there have been a couple of terrible cold and flu bugs circulating about town. My toddler’s teething is tough enough; I really didn’t want to face two sick children.
But instead of calling off our playdate, I added a drop of Thieves essential oil and a drop of Orange essential oil to my diffuser and turned it on (I get my essential oils HERE).… Continue reading