How about that time you sent your husband to 5 different stores searching for organic masa to make non-GMO tamales? Oh right, that was me too. (He’s such a good sport).
Oh, I know! So you’ve probably tried 5 different types of natural nail polish remover to find the most effective, least toxic option, right? Just me again, huh?
For years I’ve been consuming as much information as I can about how to live a healthier life for myself and my family. It all started in 2007 when a friend told me about chemicals in makeup and skincare products and how she was switching to natural alternatives. I began my own research and one of the first things I learned was how aluminum in conventional antiperspirant has been linked to cancer. Deodorant was one of the first products I switched from conventional to a natural alternative, and I never looked back.
I continued to make small changes in my life, diet and home (and dragged my husband along for the ride), and in 2009 I began making my own soap. I decided to leave my ‘corporate’ job as a marketing manager in 2010 and started Soap Addict, a handmade soap and body products business.
When I became pregnant in 2011, I knew nothing about having a baby, pregnancy or birth, and I knew even less about natural birth alternatives! I began seeing an OB but also began researching midwives and natural birth. I watched ‘The Business of Being Born’ documentary and it really spoke to me! My husband and I met with a wonderful midwife and both just knew that was the route we wanted to take for the pregnancy and birth. The decision to use a midwife and have an out of hospital birth was one of the most empowering decisions I have made for myself! I had a wonderful experience delivering my first daughter at a birth center, and have since had a son and second daughter at home.
Once I became a mother, I began trying out some of the ‘crunchy’ parenting methods. I breast fed, used cloth diapers, practiced baby wearing and tried holistic medicines. I would say having tiny humans completely dependent on me really took my natural living quirkiness to the next level….I definitely went all in! I love that I’m teaching my kids how to live a healthy life from the time they are little!
I truly believe my life is better because of many of the choices I have made for my health and well-being, and I love to share it with others! I’m learning and trying new things every day and I love hearing what has worked for others! I believe knowledge is our most powerful tool and when we share it with each other we can make positive life changes.