Tag: raisingclean

To those who don’t know me… hi! I’m Jessica 👋

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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*

Whether you want to change your life, make your life a little easier, or just get discounted products… I’m talking to YOU!

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Today, let’s play a game…

𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝟓𝟖% 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬?

𝐘𝐄𝐒, 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐌𝐀𝐘!!! During the entire month of MAY, all four enrollment collections are an additional 20% off and up to 58% off retail!!!

𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – $𝟒𝟗! 𝐎𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 $𝟑𝟗.𝟐𝟎

This option is perfect for those who want to “Build their own” collection, for the new advocate rockin’ a tight budget, someone wanting to dip their toes into becoming an Advocate or those who already have the products needed to get started.

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧-$𝟗𝟗! 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞! 𝐎𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 $𝟕𝟗.𝟐𝟎 (𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 $𝟏𝟒𝟑-𝟒𝟒% 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬)

Our previous Business Portfolio of $29 is now added directly to the collection price point along with two of our best-selling products!

❥ Product Retail Value: $143

𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – $𝟐𝟗𝟗! 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞! 𝐎𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟐𝟑𝟗.𝟐𝟎 (𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 $𝟓𝟓𝟑 – 𝟓𝟔% 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬)

Our previous Business Portfolio of $29 is now added directly to the collection price point. We’ve also included an added product bonus of Goldenlight™ Facial Serum. This collection holds 150 in PV and also qualifies for free shipping.

❥ Product Retail Value: $553

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧-$𝟒𝟗𝟗! 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞! 𝐎𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 $𝟑𝟗𝟗.𝟐𝟎 (𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 $𝟗𝟔𝟓-𝟓𝟖% 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬)

Our previous Business Portfolio of $29 is now added directly to the collection price point. We’ve also included an added product bonus of Solarize Bronzer ® (both shades!) and a $50 physical Gift Card. This collection holds 350 in PV and also qualifies for free shipping.

❥ Product Retail Value: $965

𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐈 𝐣𝐮𝐦𝐩 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧?  𝐘𝐞𝐬, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐌𝐀𝐘!!

Choose your collection here –> http://ltl.is/7wns59q

Mother’s Day

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Give the gift of Clean Beauty this Mother’s Day!

Whether you have a mother figure you are looking for something special for or you’re a mom and want to treat yourself or give a great idea to a spouse or child, what gift is more special than clean beauty. It is a way to feel beautiful, practice self care, and it doesn’t cause you harm or disrupt your hormones like other makeup and skincare out there!

 So, I present to you… our Mothers Day Offers! 

Available through May 14th – or while supplies last!

Daylight & Nightlight Facial Cream Bundle w/ a complimentary Crunchi Spa Headband

Advocate Price: $91.20

Client Retail Price: $114

Everluxe® Lip Crayon in Limited Edition shade, Sienna Red

Advocate Price: $22.40

Client Retail Price: $28

Everluxe® Lip Crayon in Limited Edition shade, French Mauve

Advocate Price: $22.40

Client Retail Price: $28

Limited Edition Lip Dream Duo ( Lip Scrub + Lip Treatment )

Advocate Price: $33.60

Client Price: $38 – (Retail $42 – $4 savings!)

✨

Special Client Bundle

Snag all four of the offers and receive special 20% off – making this deal just $175 PLUS free shipping!

If you are ready to make the change to clean beauty and/or skincare this link will get you entered to win a free facial essence + half priced coupons! You also get $10 off your first $50 order using this link if you are new to Crunchi!

http://Crunchi.com/Jessicaderico/event/36077

And… if those Advocate prices look good to you, just click Get Involved then Advocate Enrollment to choose the best discounted kit for you, start getting 20% off your orders immediately, and get an affiliate link to share with others and make 20-40% in commission!

(Make sure you see shopping with Jessica DeRico in the top right corner to be entered to win rewards)

Fur babies deserve safe products too

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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/ 🌱🌱

Safe Swap: Cookware

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Did you know that your cookware is likely toxic? This means even if you’re choosing the best possible food for your family, chemicals could be leaching into that food while you’re cooking it.

CHANGING OUT ALL OF YOUR COOKWARE IN A DAY IS PROBABLY UNLIKELY, BUT I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND TRYING TO SWAP OUT ONE AT A TIME TO START MOVING IN A HEALTHIER DIRECTION.

So, what are toxic cookwares that you should avoid?

Ceramic Coated Pans: These types of pans are usually metals coated with a synthetic polymer that is softer than metal. This coating easily wears off and usually only lasts for about a year. Once that coating starts to wear off, toxic chemicals can start leaching into your food, so if you have this kind of cookware, ditch them at the first sign of peeling.

Nonstick Cookware (Teflon): This kind of cookware also contains a coating, but it is called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and is a plastic polymer that releases harmful and carcinogenic gases at high temperatures. These gases can cause flu-like symptoms in humans hours after exposure and results in something called polymer fume fever which is often misdiagnosed for the flu. To give you an idea of how toxic these gases are, they are actually fatal to birds…

Aluminum Cookware and Aluminum Foil: This cookware is often coated to prevent the aluminum from seeping into the appliance. The problem is that the coating often wears and chips off. It’s one of the more affordable cookware options, but is not worth the risk of having aluminum contaminate your food. Aluminum can accumulate in your lungs, brain, bones, and other tissues causing muscular disfunction and memory loss. There is also evidence that aluminum can be a risk factor in Alzheimers disease. Sadly, aluminum is food in other things than cookware including deodorant, toothpaste, aluminum cans, and aluminum foil. Keep an eye on this ingredient and try to ditch any uses for it in your kitchen.

Copper Pans: This is a popular cookware as it is known to heat evenly over the surface. Uncoated copper can leach into your food and if it is coated, that can peel over time. Too much copper can suppress your zinc levels and weaken your immune system which then interferes with adrenal and thyroid function resulting in fatigue.
So, what are cookwares that I recommend?

Our favorite is Cast Iron: It is the ideal non-stick surface when it is seasoned correctly. It actually even can transfer small amounts of iron to your food which is beneficial for anyone with an iron deficiency or someone just looking to increase iron intake. It lasts FOREVER so no more buying new cookware every few years and can even be used on a grill or in an oven.

While we use cast iron pans, we use Stainless Steel pots: It is affordable and very stable at high temperatures. It is non-stick, lighter than cast iron, scratch resistant, and lasts longer than coated materials.

Then, for baking, one of our favorites is Glass: It is a sturdy material that will not release toxins into your food. We also use glass storage containers as opposed to plastic tupperware to avoid toxins like BPA which can imitate estrogen and other sex hormones.

Source: https://www.amymyersmd.com/2014/01/healthy-cookware-shopping-guide/

🌷Jess

Being a Green Beauty Advocate

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You probably don’t know this just from reading this blog, but I actually work from home, full time as a Green Beauty Advocate. I have the honor and privilege of educating other women and helping them reduce their toxic body burden and live their best and healthiest lives. And I get paid for it!

As of just a couple of weeks ago…the company I am blessed to be partnered with has completely redone the starter kits and dropped the price points on them to help women get the financial freedom so many need right now while keeping it affordable enough to start when cash flow is low! I’m SO JEALOUS right now. I wish I could rejoin! (For real…we didn’t even have eyeliner when I joined and I got 3 foundation shades I didn’t wear. We’ve come a long way!)

If you are looking to detox your makeup bag quickly, affordably, and with a brand you can trust – I would suggest picking up one of our enrollment kits!


We’ve had over 1,300 Advocates join us since April 1st! 😍 #jawdropping and I tripled just my team alone during the month of April… Because – HELLO! The momentum is HIGH and escalating quickly! More and more women are seeing the mvalue in this community, our Business Portfolio, and these collections.

Partnering with this company comes with countless benefits, but I want to share just a couple that are closest to my heart:

Revolutionary products: With unprecedented performance, ingredient safety, and eco-conscious packaging, we are setting the new gold standard for clean beauty.

Work from home: Be your own boss, choose the people you work with, control your hours, work around the needs of your family – all from the comfort of your own home.

Make a difference: Education is at the forefront of our mission. Women deserve to know about the potentially harmful products they are using everyday and how they can make healthier choices.

Earn income: By following our Smart Start System, you have the potential to earn back your initial investment & turn a profit in your first month!

Join a supportive community: Our collaborative culture is second to none and fosters personal growth, lifelong friendships, and sisterhood. We are empowering women to grow personally and professionally.


Please comment below or hop on over to my Wellness Community (https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingclean/?ref=bookmarks) if you would like to chat! The more women who join this movement, the more lives changed 🙂

Finding the Positive in Quarantine

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Our family is making the best out of the current situation and putting our energy to good use!

We started with cleaning out our attic, moved to closet organizing, kitchen reorganizing, and even painted our bedroom. It’s all about perspective, right? 🙌🏽

Some other plans we have up our sleeves:

👩🏼‍🍳 Cooking activities and baking

Spring cleaning came early! Go through old clothes and purge what doesn’t spark joy! (check out our decluttering BINGO in my Facebook Community to join in and win prizes!) https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingclean/

Regular deep breathing exercises and yoga

💪🏽 Home workouts and runs outside 🏃🏻‍

Get some fresh air for 30 minutes a day with Addie and the dogs

📖 Reading new books

👩‍🎨 Creative time

🏡 Home projects

Let’s use this thread to post home activities, links, and other positive exercises we can do to pass the time and create some memories. 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽

Here’s another great site that offers additional activities and sources like the zoo and yoga studios that can involve your kids and learn at the same time! 👉🏽 https://m.facebook.com/ChildrenAndFamilyCounselingAssociates/

The dreaded scale

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Ok, girls, let’s talk about something that might be very real and quite frustrating in a lot of our lives. The scale. 

I gained 60 pounds with Adeline and trying to lose that weight after being thin my whole life and never having to worry about what I ate, was so much harder than I ever imagined. I was depressed & I was self conscious.

1st: Five days before finding out I was pregnant.
2nd: One month after giving birth.
3rd: Nine months after giving birth.

I was so so frustrated that it just wasn’t happening faster. I actually had an incredibly unrealistic goal while I was pregnant… I was going to be “back to myself” by Christmas… I was due November 10th. Then, there’s the fact that every where we look on social media, we can find people promoting these magical ways to lose weight. The problem with that is I have yet to find one that’s not from a company that sells toxic, harmful products. So, they’re targeting women who are fed up with their weight and want a quick or easy fix, but it’s NOT healthy. 😡😡😡

I’m sure you’ve all seen them…

The brand where you wear these stickers, take these pills, drink these mixes, and you’re magically skinny! Sadly this brand uses ingredients including but not limited to talc, PEGs, phenoxyethanol, and natural flavors.

Then there’s the brand that promotes Keto Coffee to magically lose your weight uses natural flavors in editable products. In their other products they use toxic ingredients including PEGs, Phenoxyethanol, and EDTA. 

Finally, the brand that has a ton of coaches all of whom are constantly asking you if you’d like to join their fitness challenge. Those shakes have natural flavors in them 🙅‍they’re not as bad as the previous two, but I’d rather have something without natural flavors, with fewer ingredients, and more whole foods!

So, what did I do to lose the baby weight? I cut out things like bread, chips, sugary beverages (juice is just as bad as soda friends), and processed foods. I worked out 5-6 days a week doing things like zumba, running, and yoga. You don’t need the next magic fix or diet trend. Just aim to live a healthy life with whole foods and exercise!

To continue learning about living an all around healthier life, please join the conversation over in https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingclean/ 🌷

Hair it is…

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Let’s talk hair care.


I’ll be honest, I’ve only tried one toxin free shampoo and conditioner but because it took me SO long to find it, and because I was greenwashed twice before finding a truly toxin free brand, I knew I needed to share!


I found an article from January of this year listing “The Best Shampoos for Every Type of Hair” and dug into these recommendations a bit and you can imagine that what I found wasn’t pretty.


Some common ingredients were:
🚫PEG – While PEGs can be mild irritants, they’re less than desirable primarily because they help traffic funky chemicals across your epidermis, including a slug of impurities they’re often contaminated with. 😱According to a report in the International Journal of Toxicology by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, pollutants found in various PEG compounds include ethylene oxide (used to manufacture mustard gas), 1,4-dioxane, polycyclic aromatic compounds, and heavy metals (lead, iron, cobalt, nickel, cadmium, arsenic).” 😳
❌ Phenoxyethanol – 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.
❌ 𝙎𝙇𝙎 – often contaminated with 1,4 dioxane, a byproduct of the manufacturing process that is “possibly carcinogenic to humans” and may also cause negatives effects in the kidneys, liver and central nervous system, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
🚫 Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA): This preservative is used to help foods retain color, but it also irritates the skin, causes skin rashes and even asthma. It is on the FDA’s toxicity watchlist, which you know can’t be a good sign (especially considering how many other toxins they let slide).


If you want to hear what I use in my hair or simply want to join the discussion on cleaner living, follow this link https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingclean/ to the Raising Clean Facebook Community 🙌🏻

Breakfast, dessert, or a toxic storm?

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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 🌷