natural – Raising Clean

Snack Swaps that are Safe, Healthy, AND Delicious

September 13, 2025 raisingcleanLeave a comment

Back-to-school season means busy mornings, packed lunches, and after-school hunger strikes. 🍎 It can be so tempting to toss in pre-packaged snacks that are quick but loaded with sugar, artificial colors, and ingredients we can’t even pronounce.

The good news? With just a few smart swaps, you can give your kids (and yourself!) snacks that are safe, healthy, and actually delicious. Here are some of my favorite back-to-school energy boosters:

1. Swap Fruit Snacks → Real Fruit + Sea Moss Gummies

Instead of sugar-filled gummies, try fresh fruit paired with nutrient-dense sea moss gummies for minerals and natural energy.

2. Swap Chips → Homemade Energy Bites

Trade greasy, empty-calorie chips for protein-packed bites made with oats, nut butter, and clean add-ins like cacao nibs or chia seeds.

3. Swap Juice Boxes → Electrolyte Water or Smoothies

Skip the sugar crash from traditional juices and give them hydration with electrolytes or a homemade fruit smoothie. Bonus: sneak in a scoop of collagen for extra support.

4. Swap Granola Bars → No-Bake Clean Snack Bars

So many granola bars are full of corn syrup and preservatives. Try making your own with whole ingredients. It’s quick, easy, and customizable.

5. Swap Candy → Dark Chocolate + Nut Butter

Instead of processed candy, a square of dark chocolate with almond or peanut butter satisfies the sweet tooth while fueling the body.

Healthy snacks don’t have to be boring or complicated, they can be quick, fun, and something your kids actually ask for. When we fuel them with the right ingredients, we’re helping their energy, focus, and mood stay balanced all school day long.

👉 I’ve put together a collection of my go-to back-to-school snack recipes that are kid-approved and mom-approved. Click here to grab the recipes!

How My Husband Supports Stress & Sleep with Clean, Non-Toxic Tools

June 11, 2025 raisingcleanLeave a comment

I used to think I was the only one in our house who needed a solid wellness routine to feel like myself, but the truth is, stress doesn’t discriminate. My husband, like so many men, carries a lot on his shoulders. Between work, parenting, and everything in between, I started noticing signs that his stress and sleep needed just as much attention as mine.

So we decided to be intentional about giving him tools that actually support his well-being and do it in a clean, non-toxic way.

Here’s what that looks like in our home:

🌿 CBD to the Rescue

My husband was hesitant at first, but now he’s the one reminding me when we’re low on his jellies. CBD has become his go-to for stress and helping his mind shift out of “fight or flight” mode.

😌 Unwind Jellies for Evenings

Some nights are harder than others, and when his brain just won’t shut off, he’ll take an Unwind Jelly. These are formulated with natural calming botanicals and cannabinoids that help relax both mind and body.

They’re clean, they’re effective, and he doesn’t wake up groggy… just rested.

💤 Sleep Hygiene That Works

We’ve also made some simple changes to his evening routine that make a huge difference:

Magnesium supplements after dinner to relax muscles and support deep sleep.
Blue light blockers in the evening to help his body produce melatonin naturally.
No caffeine – he switched to decaf coffee and it has been a game changer for him.
A cool, dark bedroom and a sound machine or fan to help his body settle into true rest.

💧 Hydration + Functional Support

Stress affects hydration and energy levels, so we’re intentional about getting in electrolytes during the day (without the junk ingredients). He also adds a scoop of clean collagen to his morning smoothies for joint, gut, and skin support, because men deserve that glow too 😉

Why It Matters

Supporting stress and sleep isn’t just a “women’s wellness” thing. Men need it too. And it’s powerful to see the difference when they have access to tools that actually work.

Clean, natural, non-toxic options aren’t just for me, they’re for him too. And I love that our wellness routines don’t have to look the same, but they can still align in the values we share: safe, effective, and intentional care.

If your partner is navigating stress or struggling to sleep well, consider introducing one or two of these clean swaps. You might be surprised how quickly they notice a difference… mine sure did.

Need help choosing where to start? I’d love to share what’s worked for us 💚

Go here to get into contact with me and get a free consultation -> https://boards.com/a/rlJn5.mXenDf

Toxin Free Summer Vacay

July 14, 2023 raisingcleanLeave a comment

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!

Helpful Links:

Facial SPF – http://ltl.is/dqtbyvh

SPF – https://amzn.to/43rkQMy

Insect Repellant (just search “insect”) – https://earthley.com/ref/dericoj/

Shampoo/Conditioner – https://attitudeliving.com/a/rewards/r/M2iLkVsC

Charcoal Body Bar – http://ltl.is/m46kr92

Makeup/Skincare – crunchi.com/jessicaderico

Filter Water Bottle – https://amzn.to/46LtJ6t

Organization Tip # 1 – A Place for Everything and Everything in it’s Place

April 28, 2022 raisingcleanLeave a comment

One thing I’ve noticed is that my mind is more cluttered when my environment is more cluttered. So, this tip not only will help you have more of a clear, organized mind, but of course an organized home as well.

I will say this is something I have to actively work at, it does not come naturally to me. I am actually an incredibly lazy “active” person. I love to be active, I love to workout, but when I’m not being active, I’m super lazy . This means, I often will remove a hoodie and lay it on the couch, leave a tea mug by my bed, things like that. If every single thing in my home doesn’t have a place and I’m not mindful to make sure I put it back in its place when I’m done with it, my home can become cluttered real quick.

It takes an extra minute or two to put something back when finished with it (as long as you know exactly where it belongs) and it makes a massive difference in keeping clutter away. This is something that can be taught to the little ones. We’ve taught our daughter to put her toys back when done since she was one. Now that she’s three, she’s usually good about putting toys away as she finishes with them, but of course she doesn’t always do it. In that case, we start bedtime routine a little early and work together to put the toys away. If she doesn’t know where they go, however, that would be impossible for her little self to navigate.

I’ve also found that being able to see everything works tremendously well for us. We got rid of our kitchen cabinets for open shelving and keep things in clear containers. We store a lot of kitchen appliances on an open shelf in our dining area. I also use the Marie Kondo method for folding my clothes, and my hanging clothes are color coded. All of these things are not only esthetically pleasing, but they keep things organized, easy to find, and therefore easy to put back.

Some other quick tips for clothes since this was a highly wanted topic:

Each person in the home as one solid color of socks, never waste time matching up socks again.
Opt for a capsule wardrobe or a more minimal wardrobe.
To help you purge some clothes, try the hanger method where all hangers are facing one direction and after you wear something turn the hanger the other direction so you know which clothes are getting worn and which aren’t. I personally do this and the first day of each month I remove a couple of pieces that I haven’t worn and put in the donate bin.

I hope this is helpful! Happy organizing

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

Fur babies deserve safe products too

June 9, 2020 raisingcleanLeave a comment

Obviously I talk a lot about safe products for women, the men in our lives, and the children in our lives, but what about our fur babies? Bronté often has issues with her paw and I’m always looking for things to do to help it heal and feel better for her. This past time we did lots of Epsom Salt baths and apple cider vinegar soaks but it had me thinking about safe animal products.

So, I stumbled upon this company on instagram and thought it was definitely worth sharing. It is called Natural Dog Company and the post mentioned 100% organic products, so obviously I wanted to do some digging to see if it was greenwashed or not.

I’m ordering the Paw Soother, PawTection, and Skin Soother for my pups. Check out the ingredients:

Ingredients

Paw Soother | Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Mango Butter, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Hempseed Oil, Organic Jojoba, Candelilla Wax, Calendula, Cajeput, Chamomile, Natural Vitamin E, Rosemary Extract

PawTection | Organic Mango Butter, Organic Rice Bran Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Carnauba Wax, Sunflower Wax, Candelilla Wax, Natural Vitamin E, Ylang Ylang, Benzoin, Lavender, Rosemary

Skin Soother | Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Sweet Almond Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Safflower Oil, Candelilla Wax, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Organic Lavender, Chamomile, Frankincense, Myrrh, Vetiver, Organic Niaouli, Benzoin, Natural Vitamin E

So much better than the other creams I’ve found for itchy paws that contain ingredients such as:

❌ Propylene Glycol

❌ Petroleum

❌ EDTA

❌ Diazolidinyl Urea

❌ Fragrance

If you’re not sure why those ingredients are bad or you just want to continue learning about living a more toxin free life, please join my wellness community on FB -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingclean/ 🌱🌱

Breakfast, dessert, or a toxic storm?

February 20, 2020 raisingcleanLeave a comment

We LOVE cereal in my family. Addie snacks on some every day and Christopher and I have a bowl before bed almost every night.

During my last trimester with Adeline, I ate frosted flakes every day and couldn’t go without it. I didn’t find out until after she was born that it has toxic ingredients in it 😔 I was being so mindful about all the products I was putting on my body but was putting poison in my body, unknowingly, with this craving.

Are you wondering what some of the ingredients hiding in common cereals are?

BHT ❌ BHA and BHT can induce allergic reactions in the skin. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies BHA as a possible human carcinogen. The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has also listed BHA as a Category 1 priority substance, based on evidence that it interferes with hormone function.

Artificial Dyes 🚫 Artificial colorings are linked to attention-deficit disorder and hyperactivity in children. They’ve been linked to headaches, stomachaches, asthma, cancer, chromosomal damage, lymphomas, insomnia, eczema, hives, organ tumors, etc. Animal studies have even linked artificial dyes to organ damage, birth defects and certain cancers.

Natural Flavors ❌ Natural flavors is one of those nasty little phrases we avoid at all costs on every label. It sounds so harmless, but do you actually know what status our lovely FDA has given those two words? Proprietary. Trade Secrets. This allows all kinds of toxic or just disgusting things (google castoreum and know that this is allowed within the term “natural flavors”) to be in your food. It is like the term “fragrance” on personal care products, AVOID IT!

Artificial Flavors 🚫 Artificial flavoring is derived from inedible sources, like petroleum. The problem with natural and artificial flavors on a nutritional label is that you have absolutely no idea what you’re consuming.

Now for the good news. You don’t have to consume these things or feed it to your children if you enjoy a bowl of cereal like I do. Now, that I know better, I make sure I do better, and you can too. I started testing out different cereals with clean ingredients immediately after discovering what’s in the cereals I had been eating. It was discouraging at times when I got some that just didn’t taste good at all. But, I kept trying, and now we have a handful that we absolutely love!

For more clean, toxin free food ideas, head on over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingclean/

Raise clean, friends 🌷

Want some coffee with your pesticides?

January 5, 2020 raisingcleanLeave a comment

I’m a HUGE coffee drinker…

I’ve loved coffee since my teen years and I don’t go a day without at least one cup (let’s be honest it’s usually more). Coffee has always been one thing I won’t give up as I continue to make healthier choices in my life. I switched to a much better coffee creamer but I knew that still wasn’t enough. We now only buy organic coffee and I’ll tell you why…

*Organic coffee tastes better.

It has a less metallic taste and just tastes more natural and pure, because it is more natural and pure. Organic coffee is grown without chemicals, herbicides, pesticides, and other additives. Because it is grown without these things, obviously it is healthier and safer. It also has antioxidants and minerals that are good for our bodies.

*Organic coffee has less side effects.

If you are someone who gets a stomach ache after drinking coffee, there’s a good chance it’s from the chemicals, herbicides, pesticides, or other additives and not actually from the coffee at all.

These harmful toxins can also cause cancer and damage to your nervous and reproductive systems.

*Organic coffee will not hinder a child’s development.

I have been drinking coffee since I was 13 and I know lots of teens out there drink a cup or more every day. Regular coffee contains hormones that can affect the developmental process of these kids, but that is not an issue with organic coffee.

*Organic coffee is better for the environment.

The toxins listed above can seriously deplete the environment. Regular coffee also promotes deforestation and I don’t have to tell you the negative effects that has on our environment.

We have our organic coffee on auto ship with Thrive Market, it’s the most affordable option I’ve found so far and I never have to worry about running out.

𝙐𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧 25% 𝙤𝙛𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧: http://thrv.me/ujcsNz

I should add that I still go to Dunkin’ Donuts and I’m well aware their coffee is not organic, but I enjoy an iced coffee or latte from there now and then. If we’re consciously making healthier choices in our lives, it’s okay to have some balance and keep some things you enjoy!

raise clean, friends 🌷