Author: raisingclean

Organization Series

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For those of you who don’t know me yet, my name is Jessica DeRico. I’m a hippy-ish mama to one 3 year old girl and another baby on the way, I’m into all things clean living, holistic health, and I’ve always thrived with structure, routines, systems, and organization. Like most of you, I’m just trying to get the most out of my day so I can be productive, present, happy, and healthy. Staying organized helps me do that!

This blog is typically about all things toxin free, but in honor of Spring cleaning time, I thought we could chat organization. I was recently asked to do a short series on this topic for someone else’s business group and everyone really enjoyed it. I do consider this a kind of “detoxing” because you’re detoxing your mind and environment to allow you to live healthier!

I’ve always been picked on (in a friendly way) by family and friends because of my strict schedules and organization techniques and I know what I do won’t work for everyone, but if I can help you organize your day/life at all, that would bring me joy!

I’LL START DROPPING TIPS SHORTLY, BUT TONIGHT I’D LOVE TO KNOW WHAT IS HARDEST FOR YOU:

🧥 Organizing Clothes/Household Items

🤯 Organizing Your Mind

📅 Organizing Your Day

Looking forward to getting to know you all better ❤ Feel free to share your struggles in the comment section. I’m sure every person struggles in some way with organization (I’ve been working on it my whole life and still have struggles).

Like what you read on this blog? You’ll LOVE the Raising Clean Facebook Community -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingclean

Arbonne Review

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I did a review of SeneGence last year and received a lot of feedback on how helpful it was. So, I’m going to work on posting more reviews for personal care companies to help all of you become more conscious consumers and vote with your dollars!

Please note that I’m not bashing a company. I’m simply reviewing the products. This is not personal; it is merely education. People need to know what’s in the products they put on their skin every day. You all know that I focus on promoting safe, healthy, toxin free skincare and makeup and educating on all things toxin free. Unfortunately Arbonne is not safe, healthy, nor toxin free despite having this on their website: “Arbonne is committed to healthy living to improve MIND. BODY. SKIN.™” .

I will outline the ingredients that Arbonne allows in its products, you may not find each of these in every product, but just allowing these ingredients in any of their products makes it a company that I would not be comfortable using or recommending.

• Loose Powder Titanium Dioxide – The health concern involving use of TD involves inhalation of the loose powder form. The International Agency for Research on Cancer identifies inhalable titanium dioxide as potentially carcinogenic.

• Phenoxyethanol – is used as a preservative in cosmetic products to limit bacterial growth. Skin exposure to phenoxyethanol has been linked to allergic reactions ranging from eczema and hives to anaphylaxis. Infants exposed to phenoxyethanol can experience a depressed central nervous system leading to a decreased appetite, difficulty waking, skin color change, damaged DNA, and limpness of extremities. It is neurotoxic to infants…

• Retinol Palmitate – We all know that retinol is irritating… thats why it “works”. It irritates the skin and causes the cells of the skin to grow (divide) and die more rapidly, increasing the turnover of cells. This turnover leads to massive inflammation, and the Cosmetic Database also has it linked to a laundry list of health hazards: cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity, restrictions and warnings, cellular level changes, and organ system toxicity.

• Disodium EDTA – is a penetration enhancing ingredient. Which can be absolutely fantastic… but ONLY if it’s enhancing the penetration of great quality instead of enhancing the penetration of toxins.

• Artificial Fragrance – “Fragrance” or “Parfum” is a loophole that should be avoided. There are NO laws requiring the ingredients in fragrance to be disclosed and it’s always a toxic storm that will compromise your health.

Another thing I look at when deciding if I would use or recommend a brand is if they use certified organic ingredients. Certified organic cosmetic ingredients insure a higher level of purity and peace of mind. Many women with sensitive skin also prefer cosmetics made with as many organic ingredients as possible because the organic certification removes the risk of concentrated pesticide residue – a potential irritant that holds additional health concerns with repeat exposure. No certified organic ingredients are used in Arbonne products.

Numerous ingredients in these products contain ties to cancer, hormonal disruption, liver damage, skin irritation, eye irritation, breast cancer, and birth defects. And this is why I do these reviews. Women deserve to know if they are using products linked to serious diseases. If you’re ready to start detoxing your products and making the change to a more toxin free life, please head over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingclean/ where you will find more info and support with detoxing your personal care products!

Safe Swap – Body Wash 

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Let’s take a look at some ingredients you want to say no to in your

𝔹𝕆𝔻𝕐 𝕎𝔸𝕊ℍ 🧼

✖️Phenoxyethanol-it is damaging to your DNA, neurotoxin-especially to babies. It is a very “green washed” ingredient.

✖️Fragrance-any given fragrance mixture can contain up to 3000 chemicals and has been linked to reproductive issues, respiratory distress, allergies, and more.

✖️BHT-used as a synthetic preservative and is linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and many more health concerns.

There are several more toxic ingredients to look out for but these are easy to spot!

Safe Alternatives

*Alaffia (the ones that do not contain fragrance)… Click here-> Alaffia Body Wash

*Crunchi Charcoal Body Bar… Click here -> http://www.crunchi.com/jessicaderico

*Carina Organics… Click here-> Carina Organics Body Wash

*Branch Basics

Our skin is our largest organ and it has the ability to absorb up to 64% of what we apply to it and some studies have shown our underarms and privates can absorb 100%!😳

It takes a minimum of 26 seconds of some ingredients we apply to our skin to be absorbed into our blood stream. So it is very important that we pay close attention to what we apply daily to our bodies!💗

As always I am happy to take a look at an ingredient list for you to help decipher if it is safe or not!

Happy Bathing!🧼

Living with Anxiety

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I was asked recently to write up something with natural remedies for anxiety and I thought it was a fabulous idea. I suffer from anxiety and I know so many others who do as well. There are actually several things that can be done to help combat anxiety without going straight to a medication that will likely have side effects you now have to deal with. So, let’s dive in…

Things you can do:

Fitness ( Move Your Body) – Yoga and Zumba are my favorite physical activities to reduce anxiety but there are a gazillion options. Try things out until you find what works for you. It’s not a one size fits all.

Meditation or Prayer – Whatever you call it. Just get silent with yourself every day for at least 10 minutes. You will notice a difference. I am significantly more on edge on days I skip my meditation.

Practice Gratitude – It is impossible to feel anxious and grateful at the same time. I like to list 10 things I’m grateful for from my day each night before I go to sleep. Doing it daily requires you to think of the little things and rewind through your day in your head specifically looking for good. This is wonderful for the soul.

Get some sleep – Most adults need a regular 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep can lead to things such as increased stress, anxiety, reduced immune system function, increased blood pressure, and a whole host of other problems. When we practice relaxation and get enough sleep, these things can be significantly reduced. Quality sleep also helps to improve and renew your skin. Before bed, be sure to wash your face and hydrate well. I personally love Crunchi Charcoal Bar and Crunchi Nightlight moisturizer. Practice some deep breathing exercises and add a little lavender oil to your inner wrists. This routine helps me sleep like a baby!!

Things you can consume:

Ashwagandha – Importat Note: Not all herbs are created equal, and not all are safe for use by the general population. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should refrain from the use of Ashwagandha powder due to its ability to cause issues to the mother and baby, which can be fatal. People with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and type 1 diabetes should also avoid ashwagandha unless authorized by a doctor. 

Here are my favorite varieties: 

Gold Gummies (super tasty): https://bit.ly/3jig3ch

Standard Process (swallow tablet): https://bit.ly/3jilA2M

Earthley (liquid herb option): https://bit.ly/3ksPkcj

CBD – Green compass is what I’ve used in the past. Usda certified organic, grown in the USA by 6th generation farmers and every bottle has a QR code so you can scan and see the full lab results (tested by an third party) for that specific batch of cbd.

Do you have any tried and true tricks for helping with anxiety? I’d love to hear them!

To stay connected and learn tons more about clean living head over to the FB community -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingclean

Hey, friends!

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A massive welcome to the Raising Clean blog!

Raising Clean was created in June of 2018 (on Facebook, the blog came later). I had only been on my own toxin free journey for 3 months and honestly had no idea what I was doing. But I knew one thing. I was fired up about all I had learned about the harmful chemicals lurking in our products and our children’s products and I had to share it with anyone who would listen. 👂 I now have a fabulous community of like-minded women who all just want to live our best, healthiest lives!

👉👉 Here’s how to get the most out of this blog: 👈👈 

Shop Clean Beauty or Join Me: Ready to detox your makeup bag or learn more about the Safe + High Performing + Eco-conscious makeup and skincare I use –>> crunchi.com/jessicaderico 👉

GET FREE SHIPPING WITH EVERY $150 ORDER!

Need a shade match or free consultation to make sure you’re picking the best products for your skin type and needs? Fill out this free skincare quiz and I will reach out to you! https://forms.gle/idGpUXkUcPz31qFp8

 Safe Swaps Master List: A growing list of Safe Swaps beyond cosmetics + skincare that I have sourced to help you take baby steps in eliminating toxins from your life! –>>> You get access to this when you join my email list: http://eepurl.com/dC_rFL 

Toxic Ingredients Cheat Sheet: Aka – The Banished list! Click this link and save this image to help you when making everyday choices. —>>> https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10157870866692607… 

Never miss anything CRUNCHI related: ☀ Join my VIP text notification list for insane deals, re-stocks, & new product launches. Simply click https://www.remind.com/join/raisingcle and type in your phone number and name

Subscribe to the monthly newsletter here —>> http://eepurl.com/houQJj

Cosmetic Brand Ingredient Review: If you would like an ingredient review on any of the brands you’re currently using, do not hesitate to ask. Knowledge is power and I would be honored to support you in your journey by reviewing the ingredients in your current products, completely judgement free. You can always email at derico.jessica@gmail.com for the fastest response.

Ready to partner with me in the Clean Beauty Movement? —>> https://crunchi.com/the-movement/what-is-the-movement… 

Want to learn more about the Clean Beauty Movement —>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/benevolentbeginnings 

Thank you for being here 🌷✌️

Ditch & Switch: Lipgloss

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💋 Why do safe swaps matter when it comes to lip products?

Many lipglosses contain:

•Parabens

•Lake Dyes & FD&C Colorants

•Fragrance

•Flavor/Unspecific Flavor/”Natural Flavor”

•Propylene Glycol

•Formaldehyde Releasers (e.g., Diazolidinyl Urea)

•Petrolatum

•BHT

•Octinoxate

•Phenoxyethanol

•Mineral oil

Not ours!💋

Do you prefer a creamy, non-sticky lipgloss to a thick, gooey gloss? Because if so, you’re in for a treat when you try my fave!🤩

These lipglosses are loaded with nourishing oils like organic castor, coconut, jojoba, sunflower & olive oils, plus the oh-so nourishing cocoa butter! Most smell like cupcakes, except the Transparency and brand new Mulberry Mint which have organic peppermint 😍❄️ but you’ll only find vanilla plantifolia fruit or organic peppermint oil and NO artificial fragrances!

It’s ultra-glossy and non-sticky! All-vegan, nourishing, long-lasting, and moisturizing. It glides on effortlessly with a no greasy feel. You all will fall in loooove😍🌟

Definitely give some care and attention to the lip products you use, ladies! Most women consume several pounds of lip products throughout their lifetime🥴 So make sure what you’re putting ON your body is what you feel comfortable putting IN your body♥️

Want more info on these high quality, toxin free products? Reach out to me or hop over to our wellness community on Facebook where there’s ton of info plus ways to save $$ on products! –> https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingclean

• • Safe Swap • •

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You may not know this, but in 2015 I actually worked at Bath and Body works. I had a ton of their products and that Christmas every single present I bought was from that store. This legitimately hurts my heart to think about. I just didn’t know then what I know now. 

So, let’s talk lotions today. I’ve never been someone who uses hand lotion specifically, but body creams and such are what I always used on my hands as well. One of my favorites was the French Lavender and Honey from Bath and Body Works. They are SO good at marketing these to look and sound so lovely and innocent. But when you look at the ingredient label you will find several 🚫 toxic ingredients…

🚫 Petrolatum, 🚫 Fragrance (Parfum), 🚫 Tetrasodium EDTA, 🚫 Disodium EDTA, 🚫 BHT, 🚫 Diazolidinyl Urea, 🚫 Methlyparaben, 🚫 Propylparaben, 🚫 Red 4, 🚫 Red 33, 🚫 Yellow 5

Sadly, you will find these ingredients in most conventional lotions. They come with a slew of potential health issues according to the EWG such as: 

organ system toxicity

Endocrine disruption 

Enhanced skin absorption 

Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)

Contamination concerns

Biochemical or cellular level changes

Ecotoxicology

I think I’ll pass… 

OR you can switch to my favorite, which is:

🌻 Made with raw ingredients

🇺🇸 Made in the USA

🌿 Toxin- free 

I feel good supporting another small business and it feels like heaven on my skin! 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/548888097/mermaid-body-butter-organic-moisturize?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=skin+foodie&ref=sr_gallery-1-5&organic_search_click=1&bes=1

For all of my safe swaps, make sure you join the wellness community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingclean

I owe it to you…

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🤍 because not every mom gets to make muffins with her daughter at 9am on a Monday, but I do.

❤️ because not every mom gets to be there for every moment (good, bad, and ugly), but I do.

🧡 because not every mom gets to follow her dreams, but I do.

💛 because not every mom gets to do what she’s passionate about every day of her life, but I do.

I owe it to you to share these things because if someone hadn’t shared with me 3 years ago, I wouldn’t be here. I would be working a job I hated, away from my daughter every day, with no time to pursue my own dreams or passions.

You can live the life you want. You just have to take the first step.

If you’re at all curious about this life as a clean beauty educator, please reach out to me. You can also join the conversation and simply start to become a more informed consumer over at -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingclean

I owe it to you… and you owe it to yourself 🥰

I did a thing.

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A thing I almost didn’t do. A thing I didn’t know if I’d be able to complete. A thing that truly is one of my most proud moments of my life thus far. 

I completed a Spartan Super entirely On. My. Own. 

I did two Spartan Sprints in 2019 and I had someone with me every step of the way. Motivating me, helping me over some obstacles, literally dragging me along the course at times. So, I booked a Super thinking I would have that same support system for a race double the size with more and harder obstacles. But, that person is no longer my support system and the thought of doing this race alone quite literally petrified me. I didn’t know if I had it in me physically and I was 100% certain I didn’t have it in me mentally. I almost did not make it to the starting line. Thankfully I have a new support system now in some amazing friends who encouraged me and helped me see that I could do it on my own. 

So, I showed up at that starting line. And I took off by myself. 

It was hard. So freaking hard. And yes, I cried like a baby when I achieved that damn obstacle that I never in a million years thought I could do. 

But even though I did the race alone, I had people. I’m so thankful for the spartan community. The people who chatted with me as we walked along in agony. The woman who gave me a boost two separate times when my five foot basically nothing self didn’t stand a chance at getting over something way too high. The woman who stopped after completing the monkey bars and could have kept going but she stayed to talk me through my own fear of the obstacle. 

It was an absolutely amazing experience and I think I came out on the other side changed. I now know, truly, that I can do anything. I’m braver than I give myself credit for. I also know that there are some very kind souls out there and those are the people I will surround myself with. 

AROO 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

vulnerable post ahead ↴

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Formerly, I was a partner (fiancé) who gave up a teaching career to show up for her family as a stay-at-home mom. What I did not see coming was a break up after 7 years.

5 months ago I became a single mom with primary custody of my daughter (plus our two dogs). A daughter who I wanted to continue to support and show up for as I always had. What immediately ran through my head was:

1. WHERE are we going to live?

2. HOW am I going to support all of us, feed us, clothe us, without her dad’s income?

3. WILL I be able to do this on my own?

SIGH – 😞

Well, it’s all because of my toxin free business that I’ve been able to get us into our own home (that even has a small yard for the dogs), work around the needs of my daughter, and SHOW up for her as I always have!❤️❤️❤️❤️

It nearly brings me to tears each time I take a moment to truly reflect and be grateful 💫 for where I am and what I’ve accomplished. I am forever grateful to the direct selling industry as it has changed my life not once. It’s because of companies like this one that women have the opportunity to make part time income working less than part time hours or make career income and accumulate wealth working full time hours. Did you know that 80% of women who make six figures do so through direct sales?!

Now, I ask you… what could you do with an extra 400-600 a month, or even an extra couple thousand+ a month, or heck six figures a year?