I’ve seen so many desperate mommas lately looking for help with either their sleep or their kids’ sleep. Anyone who knows me personally knows my 16 month old Willow has struggled with sleep since she was born. I also have never been a good sleeper with my biggest issue being falling asleep. Because of this, I’ve tried A LOT of safe sleep aid products for myself and Willow.
What I’ve used for the girls and/or myself:
Lavender Essential Oil – rolled on bottom of feet
Earthley’s Sleepy Time Tincture – dropped in mouth
Earthley’s Goodnight Lotion – rubbed on tummy and legs
Organic Tart Cherry Juice – consumed during the day
Epsom Salt baths before bed – in bath
Green Compass Sleep Boost – in belly button
Green Compass Sleep Jellies – consumed before bed (would recommend for age 3+ starting with 1/4 jelly)
My thoughts/experiences:
Lavender oil used on Willow & myself – Noticed no improvement
Earthley’s Sleepy Time Tincture – Noticed no improvement for Willow. Helps me fall and stay asleep but not the best thing I’ve tried. Helps Adeline fall and stay asleep.
Eathley’s Goodnight Lotion – Noticed no improvement for Willow. Adeline loves it for her growing pains.
Organic Tart Cherry Juice – Noticed no improvement for Willow.
Epsom Salt baths before bed – Noticed no improvement for sleeping but does help calm both kids and make bedtime routine a little easier.
Green Compass Sleep Boost – The FIRST thing that has genuinely improved Willow’s sleep. Since starting it she went from waking 4-5 times a night to 1-2 and sleeping 2-3 hour stretches to over 6! All the hallelujah hands for this one
Green Compass Sleep Jellies – Only tried myself so far and they work amazingly. These help me fall and stay asleep the best of anything I’ve tried.
Links (it means the world to my family when you use my links to shop!):
Let me know if you try any of these and how they work for you! And for more content like this, make sure you’re in my wellness community -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingclean/
We’re digging into some Vitamin C info this month!
Vitamin C offers tonssss of skin benefits, making it a highly sought-after ingredient in skincare products
Let’s talk about some of its key benefits:
1. Powerful Antioxidant: Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress and damage to the skin. This protection can help prevent premature aging and maintain a youthful appearance.
2. Collagen Synthesis: Vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen production, a protein responsible for maintaining the skin’s structure and elasticity. By promoting collagen synthesis, vitamin C can help improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Skin Brightening: Vitamin C inhibits melanin production, making it effective in reducing the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. It can also impart a radiant and more luminous complexion.
4. UV Protection: While not a substitute for sunscreen, vitamin C has been shown to offer some level of photo-protection by neutralizing free radicals generated by UV exposure.
5. Wound Healing: Vitamin C is involved in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, crucial for wound healing and tissue repair. It can help accelerate the healing process and improve the overall appearance of scars.
6. Hydration and Moisture Retention: Vitamin C can help improve the skin’s moisture barrier and enhance its ability to retain moisture, leading to better hydration and softer skin.
7. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm and soothe irritated or red skin, making it beneficial for individuals with sensitive skin or conditions like acne.
8. Protection Against Environmental Stressors: By neutralizing free radicals caused by pollution and other environmental stressors, vitamin C helps protect the skin from damage and maintain its overall health.
So, incorporating vitamin C into your skincare routine can contribute to healthier, more radiant, and youthful-looking skin! I must add that the effectiveness of vitamin C can vary depending on its form (not all vitamin C is created equal!) concentration, and the overall formulation of the skincare product.
Need a recommendation for a safe Vitamin C product? Just let me know!
A lot of people are taking vacations right now and while it’s harder to maintain a healthy and low tox lifestyle while away from home, it’s not impossible. Having a toxin-free summer vacation is a great way to prioritize your health and well-being. Here are some tips to help you achieve that:
Choose a Natural Destination: Opt for vacation spots that are known for their natural beauty, such as national parks, forests, or beaches with clean water. Avoid areas with heavy pollution or known environmental hazards.
Research Accommodations: Look for accommodations that promote sustainability and use eco-friendly practices. Check if they have non-toxic cleaning products, organic bedding, and natural ventilation systems.
Pack Your Own Toxin-Free Products: Bring your own toiletries and personal care products that are free from harmful chemicals. Look for organic, natural, and biodegradable alternatives for items like sunscreen, insect repellent, shampoo, and soap. I will link some of my faves at the bottom of this post 🙂
Stay Hydrated with Clean Water: Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it with filtered or purified water to avoid consuming water from potentially contaminated sources. This helps reduce your exposure to toxins and minimizes plastic waste. You can also get filtration water bottles, I will link one below.
Eat Organic and Local Foods: Seek out local farmers’ markets or organic food stores to buy fresh produce and ingredients for your meals. Choose organic options to reduce your exposure to pesticides, hormones, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). I’ll be heading to Florida next week and my roomies and I will be making a Publix run when we get in to stock up on healthy foods to have in our hotel room.
Avoid Fast Food and Processed Snacks: Steer clear of fast food chains and heavily processed snacks, as they often contain artificial additives, preservatives, and unhealthy trans fats. Opt for healthier alternatives like fresh fruits, nuts, or homemade snacks. I love eating out on trips but I always try to find the healthiest options and avoid fast food at all costs.
Embrace Natural Sun Protection: Shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays by wearing loose-fitting, lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs. Use a non-toxic mineral-based sunscreen (linked below) and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
Choose Non-Toxic Activities: Engage in outdoor activities that don’t involve exposure to harmful substances. Instead of renting motorized watercraft, try kayaking, paddleboarding, or hiking. Avoid activities like smoking or being in proximity to secondhand smoke.
Minimize Plastic Waste: Reduce your use of single-use plastics by bringing your own reusable shopping bags, water bottles, and food containers. Dispose of any waste responsibly and recycle whenever possible.
Connect with Nature: Spend quality time in nature by hiking, swimming, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Research shows that spending time in green spaces can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall well-being.
Remember, the key is to make conscious choices that prioritize your health and the environment. By implementing these tips, you can have a toxin-free and eco-friendly summer vacation without skimping on the fun!
Mama to 2 girls, soon to be wife, a little hippie, a little witchy, a little girly + your whole body wellness bestie 🫶
⬇️ A little about me ⬇️ I always wanted to be a girl mama & I love it! My oldest goes to a forest school a couple of days a week and I homeschool the rest. I was born and raised in upstate NY. We lived in Arizona for a few years & loved it there but moved back while I was pregnant with my oldest. The health and happiness of my family is one of the most important things to me.
I grew up completely “normal” I ate fast food and microwave dinners, drank juice and soda 😵💫 Cleaning products and personal care products were from normal drugstores, Target, Bath and Body Works, etc.
I was sick. All. The. Time. I was on antibiotics constantly. I’m talking every month just about. I had my tonsils removed, I had mono, I was on an inhaler and couldn’t run or cheer without it. I saw several doctors for stomach issues and nobody seemed to have any answers. Anxiety and stress were running rampant through me in highschool. I had no answers. In fact it was treated as if it was normal to live and feel this way. The answer was always just more medications.
I really didn’t even think to question anything until I unexpectedly got pregnant with my oldest daughter in 2018. As most mothers do, all I wanted was my child to be healthy. My parents had raised me in alignment with all the public health recommendations and based on what was “normal” in our society. It is NORMAL to be unwell…
I knew there had to be a different way.
I’ve spent the last 5 years learning everything I can about health. I’m still not perfect but my eyes are open and I work to grow and improve everyday. I rarely get sick. I do not go to the doctors. I am a runner and I don’t need an inhaler. It literally amazes me how much has changed 🤯 I attribute this change so much to eliminating toxic personal care and cleaning products. This is why I’m so passionate about helping others make safe swaps in their own lives and homes.
Right as I was starting to make changes in my life, while I was pregnant, everything else was changing too. We had just moved across the country back to NY. We were staying with my parents, I was leaving my teaching career and planning to be a stay at home mom for a bit. We needed some side income to supplement Chris’ salary now that I wouldn’t be teaching. And I needed a purpose and community since I was about to be isolated at home with a baby as a new first time mom.
Someone I had known for years called me to tell me about a company called Crunchi she had partnered with and asked if she could send me some samples. I was skeptical at first but willing to try with an open mind. I looked into the brand and the ingredients, sourcing, manufacturing, packaging, etc was all 🔥 Then I tried it… and I knew I had hit the jackpot 😍
I wore the foundation for a day and became a customer for life. Every foundation I had ever tried looked either cakey or melted off my face. Finding clean makeup that performed was something I had been struggling with. I talked to my friend about the company, I talked to my fiance, and even though I had tried direct sales previously without a ton of success I saw how different his company was. I was the insane potential. I saw the mission and the class with sharing. I saw how they are education first and heart forward. Plus I was fired up from learning about how our personal care products are poisoning us and I felt pulled to share this knowledge with other women.
It wasn’t a hard decision to sign up. We needed the income, I loved the products, and I was passionate about the clean beauty message. I quickly realized Crunchi checked all the boxes for what I needed in my life and some I didn’t even know I needed. I had a very small circle of friends, a very small family, a very small social media following. But I just started sharing with everyone I could because I knew the information was valuable & life changing.
I’m no direct sales millionaire. But I share what I love everyday and I have fun doing it. I’ve been able to fully fund my daughter’s forest school, organic groceries for my family, pay off my jeep, and more. This “side income” has made a world of difference for my family and allowed us to live in a way we’d never be able to without it.
Crunchi has been a big part of my journey, especially on social media + I feel so honored to mentor so many women who are not only helping others to reduce their burden, but they’re building income streams for their families too 😍
⬇️ A few things I love about being part of the clean beauty movement ⬇️
Start earning on your first dollar sold
Extremely generous compensation plan with unlimited earning potential
20% discount on all your personal orders
No auto-ship or monthly order requirements
Helping other women detox their skincare & beauty routines
Like-minded community
Exclusive team resources & support
If you’re interested in learning what a partnership with Crunchi could look like in your life, let’s chat!!
You can most easily reach me here -> M.me/Jessie.rae.31 or at derico.jessica@gmail.com
*save an additional 20% when you enroll this month*
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…
Raising Clean 