(And I don’t mean the holiday)

Okay, as a mom I get unnerved when I hear about all the toxins that we are all consuming each and every day. I had no idea how much I was consuming and giving to my family.

Like, it gets super overwhelming sometimes.

So this is something to think about:

Are we approaching flu season or are we just approaching the months that seem to have tons of extra processed sweets and things?

Makes me want to empty out my whole kitchen and pantry of all processed and junk food we have.

But. I read somewhere that even as we detox our life it’s okay to do it one step at a time. Meaning, you don’t have to clear out your entire house of cleaners, toiletries, food, dishes, and more and immediately replace with non-toxic stuff.

But if that’s the goal, then approach it item by item.

Sounds like a bit of grace and common sense, don’t you know?

As a mom, I want to care for my kids, I want to protect them from the big, bad, and the ugly. And there are tangible ways to go about it. (This has been a whole journey for me). Things I’ve wondered about for a while–the answers are pretty clear. And the solutions are not impossible.

So this is what I’m doing. I’m adding in good things that will push out the lesser. And I’m doing some new things. As well as some swap-a-roos.

What I’m adding in:

More fiber. Staying on top of this by regularly eating my fruits and veg. Apples and cheese are my current favorite snack. But I’m actually drinking this amazing fiber drink called Fiberwise that has all the good things you could possibly want. It has made me so regular and it does an absolute clean-out. No lie.

Omega 3s. Say what? No, I am not taking any stinky fish oils. I give my kids these Omega-3 cremes that are better than dessert. One time I actually drizzled some on some vanilla ice cream and that elevated it to heaven. I give my kiddos spoonfuls of this divinity–they beg for more. And it makes me feel good knowing that I am doing even this little thing to help boost their immune system.

Prenatal vitamins. Well, I’ve been taking that forever. After and in between having ‘dem babies. Especially since I nurse until just about two-years-old, I need the extra nutrients.

Oregano oil. A tablet or two a day with water especially when I’m feeling like I may be coming down with something. Mixed with a lotion, I spread a bit on my baby’s feet under socks to work as an antibiotic. Behind the ears for ear infections.

Celtic salt. Oh goodness, I love salt and salty things–so this is a treat. It is strong though. Take a pinch and then drink some water (there are many other ways to take it, ofc). So on Saturday I took a walk with the kiddos and usually I get a headache because for some reason I just cannot keep myself hydrated when I am so active with them (for whatever reason) but I made a point to take some Celtic salt and then drink water and have some fruit–and guess what? No headache that day, woot woot!

Better sunscreen. Have you heard that sunscreen is such a scam? Well, I have. And while I’d like to fully embrace that thought I do mind the 10a to 2p window and make sure to put some of this luscious and amazing-smelling lotion on my kiddos. I mean, they need the vitamin D and whatever other healing properties the sun provides.

Better band aids. Good-bye forever chemicals from me! Welp, my favorite store carries theses clean guys. While, no, they don’t sport Bluey, Minnie, Ninja Turtles or what have you, but they won’t leave anything unwelcome behind in our skin.

I’ve begun giving my kids: vitamins (Mary Ruth’s), probiotics (over the counter, rn; I am wanting to do Mary Ruth’s). My son loves Celtic salt, too!

Super simple changes:

Foil to parchment paper

Microwaving in glass rather than plastic–if I must heat things up. And I do do this often.

Making things homemade!

These are a few things I’ve made:

Sourdough

Cheese crackers

Gummies (still a WIP)

I have a list of so many more things to try!

(Did I mention I’m still kind of new at this?)

Additional swaps I will be doing:

Makeup (when mine run out, I am planning to ditch my Estee Lauder makeup *gasp.* I am ready to get my face into more affordable and better-for-it products. From foundation cream to lipstick, the toxin-free ones are calling my name.

Shampoo and conditioner. This is probably one of the last things I will do because I am a sucker for Moroccanoil. It’s so hydrating for my hair. My locks here in the Panhandle humidity has never looked better than when I’ve used this stuff. Maybe the other styling things. (Note: I am very interested in trying The Earthling Co.’s ‘poo and conditioner bars, though).

All my toiletries. Think: deodorant, face wash, face cream, body lotion, etc. I plan to switch them all as what we have run out.

Cleaners for the kitchen, bathroom, any room.

Medicine cabinet. They’ve got their own ibuprofen and acetaminophen that may be a better option. There is even some allergy meds, too, if anyone needed that.

*this online store has got it all

And what I love about it is that this is an American-founded and sourced store. And they support their customers by appreciating them when they (er we) share the store with others. (Which is what I am striving to do).

If you want to learn more about it (and how it can benefit you) feel free to reach out to me (in any form we’re connected).

And since I brought it up …

Here are my thoughts about Halloween… I never went trick or treating as a kid and I don’t begrudge that about my past one bit. But since we have kids and since our neighborhood goes all out for them, we have participated these past couple years.

And let me tell you … I don’t wanna anymore …

I’ll tell you why.

Because I told my oldest son that “he was okay” being around one house in particular that had real evil creepy decor.

Across the street from our pastor’s house, actually, we came across some of the cringiest decorations. They really gave my son the creeps. And me, his mama bear, told him it was okay. Okay??

I really woke up that day. And since then, I’ve been alert to the not-okay-ness of this holiday. If my child is scared it’s because it is scary and evil. It is not okay. And I don’t need to be messing around with that junk.

It’s what I can do as a mom that loves my family.

And you can, too!

Do what is best for your family.