It’s easy to crave less. Less to buy. Less to clean. Less to store. Less to chose from. Less to throw away. And we’re those people who get a rush from consolidating two items down to one or earning more space in the drawer/cabinet/closet by paring down, so this is our idea of a good time (why buy ten bottles to do ten things when one product can do it all?). Three years ago I wrote a post about how we try to keep things simple in small ways, so after more than a few requests for an update/extended list, here it is. Happily, three years after embarking on Project Simplify, we probably have fewer cleaning/grooming/hygiene products around the house than we did back then – even with a third person in the house to care for. The “magic products” that work for us are probably going to be different than the ones that work for you (so there’s no pressure to conform to organic stuff if that’s not your jam), but hopefully it helps to see how we try to keep things simple.
Back in 2009, John and I realized that we don’t mind using the same shampoo and conditioner (Avalon Organics from Target) and could also share the same body wash (we currently use Say Yes To Cucumbers, also from Target) so why not stop buying our own bottles – for a total of 6-7 containers in the shower at all times – and share? Purchasing a single bottle of each breaks the constant cycle of someone needing shampoo or conditioner every time we go to the store, and three bottles (total) in the shower at all times is pretty darn refreshing. We don’t have other bottles of shampoo/conditioner/body wash in the vanity or linen closet – this is it. When it gets low we get a new bottle. It’s nice and uncomplicated.
Thanks to a lot of our eco-related changes from a few years back, pairing down in a few other areas has gotten awesomely automatic. Relying only on Seventh Generation Free & Clear laundry detergent (without any fabric softener) makes shopping for laundry products few and far between (and makes storing a single bottle a breeze). We used to use Charlie’s Soap for diapers but alternated with Seventh Generation whenever we ran out, and eventually just stuck with Seventh Generation (diapers are still doing great and it’s easier to find and use one thing on everything across the board). We ran out of fabric softener a few years back and did some loads of laundry without it and didn’t even notice a difference, so we just stopped buying it.
We use this in the dishwasher. We have talked about making homemade laundry detergent and dish detergent too, but haven’t tried it out yet (we’ll blog all about it if we make the switch someday). We have some great recipes in this post of yore.
When it comes to cleaning everything else around the house, from floors to counters and tubs and tile, we use these two cleaners 99% of the time (along with the occasional homemade recipe from this post). No buying window cleaners and tile cleaners and wood floor cleaners each to do an individual job. We usually just water down some Mrs. Meyers (the “all purpose cleaner” label really means it works on counters, wood floors, etc) and use a moist microfiber cloth to rub down whatever it is that needs scrubbing (floors, counters, tabletops, windowsills, etc). For glass, I just use vinegar and water (5 parts water to 1 part white vinegar). Here’s a post with more of our cleaning routine broken down for ya.
We also water down our Dr Bronner’s soap (it recommends that on the bottle, which is awesome since it goes twice as far) and use it for all the hand-washing in the house (kitchen sink, bathrooms, etc). We do one part water to one part soap and it’s great. It’s also what I use to wash my face/remove makeup. It’s nice and mild. And we wash Burger with it. So it’s pup approved.
I think I got bitten by the simplicity bug back in NYC, when I lived in the tiniest studio, with no room for anything. Ladies (and gents?), I give you my makeup bag. I’m not proud of my $5 Chinatown bag from nine years ago (I can’t believe the zipper still works) but the point is that virtually all the makeup that I own lives in this little bag. It’s not a travel bag, it’s my only bag – which makes it easy to pop into a suitcase. It actually lives in the car for the most part since John’s the driver and I get to “put on my face” as we go wherever we’re going (since I can never seem to get it together and do it at home).
It holds:
- Physician’s Formula Organic Wear bronzer/blush (from Target or CVS)
- Physician’s Formula Organic Wear two-toned eye make-up (from Target or CVS)
- Physician’s Formula Organic Wear concealer stick (from Target or CVS)
- Physician’s Formula Organic Wear mascara (from Target)
- An eyelash curler (from Sephora)
- A blush brush (from Sephora)
- One lone contact (just because I am known to lose them randomly)
I’ve used all of the above products exclusively for the past 2-3 years. And I love them. I’ve never been great with anything like liquid liner or fake eyelashes, so for those of you who are, maybe I don’t know what I’m missing. But either way, my simplified makeup bag facilitates super speedy makeup application, which actually results in me looking more polished. I’d never slap on make-up if it was too complicated or took too long – I’m just a wash and go girl (hence my ponytail tendencies). And now that I only use a few organic things, my skin is a lot better, and I find that I don’t amass a pile of new products (no more impulsive purple eye shadow or bubble gum pink lip gloss purchases that seemed like a good idea at the time).
As for what we do use in the name of hygiene, John has hair stuff (Crew from Target after he couldn’t find his favorite old stuff, Got2be – which we later learned got new packaging so it was hard to spot) and shaving cream and aftershave (Burt’s Bees). I actually just shave with a little bit of conditioner in the shower. We both use the same type of razor (we have two of them, mine is in the shower and John’s is in the drawer) so that buying refill blades is nice and simple (we don’t have to buy two types for two different razors). And we both use Tom’s of Maine deodorant and toothpaste (the kind with fluoride since we tried the fluoride free kind and both got cavities and then switched back and have had none for the past two years).
That’s about it when it comes to beauty/grooming products that we buy beyond shampoo, body wash, and conditioner (John’s not a cologne guy and I’m not a perfume girl). We also use sunscreen and lotion, but just try to buy one container and restock only when it runs out. We like Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Coconut Organic Lotion (from Target or Whole Foods) and Bullfrog Sunscreen SPF 30 (Target, CVS). We keep a tube of each of those in our travel bag under the sink and in our car’s middle console. I don’t even use face cream now that I use mild makeup and Dr Bronner’s soap (it doesn’t strip my face so it’s not dry and in need of lotion anymore – which used to make my sensitive skin break out anyway).
In high school I was kind of a slave to beauty products (you should have seen my stash – I probably had a million bottles) but since I no longer get home from school at three pm and play with my nails/hair/face for hours, this new “grown up busy mom” routine works for me. For the past three years I’ve actually not used hair spray, pommade, or perfume. This is definitely one of those to-each-his-own things, but I like the smell of my shampoo and body wash enough to be cool with that being “my scent” – and thanks to my ponytail propensity, there’s no need for any hair stuff beyond shampoo, conditioner, and a good old fashioned brush. It’s a look I like to call low-maintenance chic on a good day (and messy momma on a bad day).
One of the nicest things is that there are sections of magazines about makeup and perfume that I can gloss over entirely (in high school I was kind of an “ooh I want that!” kind of girl, which is probably why I had approximately 500 bottles and samples and cans of things on my vanity) so I can’t tell you how nice it is to not always want everything I read about. I just flip on by. Oh wait, but there’s nail polish.
I didn’t paint my nails or toes for a while just to keep it simple, but I do have occasional yearnings for a bright pop of color, so I do have a few polishes made by Zoya and Honeybee Gardens (they’re free of some of the fumier chemicals in some other brands). I have ten nail polish bottles total, which all fit into our freshly organized drawer. It’s nice to keep it to that number, so I won’t impulsively buy any more. I probably had 50+ bottles in high school, but now ten is the new number – no buying any more unless one runs out.
Oh and I love this stuff. It’s in my purse, a box next to my desk, on my night table and in the glove compartment of the car. You don’t want to see me when I can’t get my hands on lip balm. I’m a total baby. You’d think my lips were falling off or on fire or something. Seriously, it’s not pretty. So I learned that keeping one stick of it in four key places is the simplest solution for me. I never completely run out since I have a few stashed around the house, and because I have so many in rotation, they tend to last a while so I’m not always buying it a stick at a time.
Oh yes, but within the last three years we had a baby! So we must have amassed a ton of products for Clara, right? I mean we are pretty attached to the girl. But when it comes to keeping Clara moisturized, clean, diaper-rash-free, and sunburn free, instead of registering for twenty creams and lotions we decided to scan three things and take more of a wait-and-see approach. We knew we could always purchase more/different products once Clara came along (who knows if she’d have an allergy to something anyway) so we started with:
- California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo & Bodywash (for bathtime) from Target
- Badger Baby Sunscreen (for sun protection) from Whole Foods
- California Baby Calendula Cream (for face, body, diaper rash, cradle cap, eczema, dry skin, etc) from Target
That’s it. No baby powder, no face lotion and body lotion and diaper cream (just one that does it all), and no body soap that differs from hair soap. Just three basics. And miracle of all miracles, that’s still all we use! After almost two years. Seriously, those three products are our entire arsenal. So you can imagine that when it comes to storing them it’s no biggie (they all slip into the top drawer of her dresser except for the shampoo which we keep in the closet in her bathroom with the washcloths and towels). So we don’t have a big basket of products or a stockpile of extra bottles. Just those three things. And when they run out we get more. Just one more though, we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves. Haha. Who knows when things could change. But so far, so good. Off to knock on some wood…
By making an effort to covet less (and trying to focus on natural things or a small amount of items) it cuts way down on the products that can jump into my cart on a whim. And it doesn’t feel like I’m missing out on anything. It feels like I’m gaining closet and cabinet space, more moolah in my wallet, and extra time that I can spend doing things other than restock various bottles. I’m dying to know what you guys do to make life easy and live with less. From sharing products and even making your own to forsaking certain things and purchasing specific items in bulk, I’d love to hear what works for you.
Update – Wanna know where we got something in our house or what paint colors we used? Just click on this button:
Traci says
My husband and I are prone to burning. While camping at the beach, we discovered spf rash guards. Long sleeve ones are the best thing ever. We don’t have to use as much sunscreen (we use Alba mineral, only $4 at Wegman’s) and if we forget to reapply there is far less burning. Also, on a 103 degree day at Hershey park we discovered that our rash guards and a spray bottle full of water will keep you cool on an insanely hot day. Just spray your rash guard periodically to keep it moist and the evaporation effect cools you down. I often suffer from heat exhaustion and I felt fine that day using this method.
YoungHouseLove says
Love the tips Traci!
xo,
s
Kelly says
The Physician’s Formula mascara- I switched to it in my gradual attempt to go more natural but I can’t make it through the day without looking like a raccoon!
YoungHouseLove says
Some are better than others! My favorite is the kind in the container that looks like a leaf but I think it’s the waterproof or smudgeproof kind. There’s a regular kind that’s more runny (aka: I look like a member of Kiss).
xo,
s
Kelly says
ps. Have you heard of http://www.piggypaint.com? My 2 year old loves it!
YoungHouseLove says
So cute!
xo
s
Debbie C says
Can I ask what type of razor you and John both use? I’m pretty particular about my razor (I’m a Venus girl!), and easily nick my legs if I try using a men’s razor on them. :( I love the idea of using one type for all, just not sure which is best?
YoungHouseLove says
It’s a Gillette Mach something. Maybe 3? Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Karen A. says
I, too, have Burt’s Bee lip balm everywhere. Purse, work desk, home office desk, near my LR chair, by the bed, in the car. And, yes, I, too, get ugly when I need it and can’t lay my hands on it. My sister thinks it’s hilarious. Not.
katalina says
I threw out all my burt’s bees pomegranate when I saw CARMINE in the ingredient list….
Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm
This product is 100% natural, is not tested on animals, and the packaing is made of 30% post-industrial content. It does not state that it contains no animal products; carmine – a red dye derived from beetles – is indeed on the list of ingredients.
YoungHouseLove says
Wow- never knew that! I wonder if that’s only in some of them (I have the 100% natural Mango Butter one at my desk and there’s none of that listed in the ingredients).
xo,
s
Madison says
Can I be weird and ask how well that Tom’s deodorant works? I’ve been wanting to try it but I do alot of physical activity so how does it stand up next to sweat/smell?
YoungHouseLove says
I think it just depends on your genetics or something since it works great for J and I, but we hear from some folks that it’s awful for them. I guess like finding the perfect shampoo or cream, it must depend on your skin or how you sweat or something. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
katalina says
I think Carmine is in all their color lip balms and lipgloss for color….so I think the one you are addicted to is OK. I was surprised about the lead that is in lipstick and lipgloss as well.
YoungHouseLove says
No way! Never heard of that! I’m a clear lip balm girl (bright lips on me make me look like the Joker with my giant mouth) – hahah.
xo,
s
Jana says
Thanks for writing this post! I think I’ve been leaning in the “simpler life” direction lately and this has given me lots of great ideas! There’s so much clutter and stuff out there! There’s more important things in life to worry about! I am moving to Hawaii in a couple weeks which is giving me an amazing opportunity to get rid of almost everything I own and start fresh. Can’t wait! You guys are awesome!
lisa says
have you seen this site? it’s great…you can look up almost any product and see any negative ingredients that may be in it.
check it out.
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, we linked to that at the bottom of this post (and the Simple Life post from three years ago). It’s such a great resource!
xo,
s
leen says
they sell got2be at walgreens and if you look at the weekly ads sometimes they have it for buy one get one free!
Erika says
Hi Sherry,
I liked your post about keeping things simple a lot. I also try to cut back on beauty-related products, but where we keep things the simplest is when it comes to food.
We basically only shop in a few shops (vegetable shop, bakery, butcher’s, cheese shop) with the occasional trip to a small supermarket for other things (fish, toilet paper, drinks,etc.) I love the fact that I can go there with a basket and have all my groceries put in and I come home with NO packaging. You’re faster, less tempted, you get the better stuff and you support regional and seasonal fruit and vegetables.
I live in Germany and if you go to some supermarkets here you will see the potatos are from Egypt, the beans are from Spain, the tomatoes are from Italy. It’s crazy. It all grows here and I believe that by buying regional and seasonal products, I support our local farmers and do something for the environment. (I wonder what is organic about apples from New Zealand when they have been flown half-way around the world!).
Yup, so that’s what we do!
Still love your post, btw. Have been following it for two years on a daily basis!
When does your book enter the bookstores? I am in the US in August/early September. Could I buy it then?
take care.
YoungHouseLove says
Love that shopping method Erika! So inspiring! Thanks for sharing it! As for our book, it doesn’t come out until Oct/Nov, but it’s available on amazon.com (just search Young House Love) for pre-order and I believe they ship internationally! Hope it helps and thanks for your interest!
xo,
s
Jacqueline says
Hi Sherry,
Love this post! I am doing a similar thing with our beauty and cleaning products at the moment – trying to simplify everything down, tired of the clutter.
Question, do you use a face or body moisturiser? My face feels “dry” after I have washed it.
:-)
YoungHouseLove says
I actually don’t since Dr Bronners is such a light soap that I never feel dry or stripped like some stronger soaps used to make me feel. I have such sensitive skin that cream used to make me break out, so I’m happy to avoid it, but I hear that Burt’s and Avalon Organics make face lotions and creams that sound awesome. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
VV says
I have a lot of respect for people that can minimise, especially in this day and age where everything is so superficial and seems to be all about ‘who has the most toys’.
I’ve watched some ‘wardrobe tour’ and ‘make up collection tour’ videos on youtube (secret guilty pleasure kinda like watching Jersey Shore – you watch and you laugh but you don’t want to be them!) and I got to say, simple and efficient is best. Find a look that works and stick with it!! Super European and super chic :)
Roz says
Not the same at all – but I have recently gone back to thrift store shopping for clothing. I haven’t bought anything new in a long time & we are far more well-dressed with many choices, and funky clothing as well! We recycle and donate back when the kids outgrown them as well. I’m enjoying the ;hunt’ as well – far more fun than the mall.
Emma says
I thought I was a makeup minimalist, but you’ve got me beat! Haha. I do have one smallish bag though, and I use bare mineral pots – glued small magnets to the back of each(there are 4) and they stick onto the inside “wall” of the medicine cabinet. I love it! My husband and I have one shelf each in there – we try to stay basic! Thanks for sharing your stuff!
Erin says
As far as nail polish goes, I just discovered Scotch Naturals. I don’t know how they made creamy, gorgeous, rich, vibrant, all natural nail polish, and honestly, I don’t care. I just know I need them to keep making it, or my fingers will be sad.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, never heard of it but it sounds awesome!
xo,
s
John@RemodelingBIBLE says
Hi! I like to simplify things, too. I am very particular with things that are not just effective around the house but eco-friendly as well. For example, I use baking soda and vinegar instead of commercial detergents when cleaning the kitchen and recycle most of my trash. (I also earn a few bucks when I send used soda cans to the recycling depot.) Keep up the good work! :)
Suzanne says
Sherry-
First let me say: I cannot believe how nice your skin looks in photos without foundation. I’ve always been super jealous of people who don’t need
foundation. But as a fellow 30 something I want to encourage you to buy a tiny pot of eye cream. These are our preventative years as far wrinkles go! I can’t recommend a certain brand but if you have sensitive skin avoid one with retinol. First Aid Beauty makes a cheap one.
I know I seem crazy and shallow for encouraging you to get more instead of more but I couldn’t help myself!
YoungHouseLove says
Hah, thanks Suzanne! My mom and best friend have been saying the same thing, so we’ll have to see if I find something that I like (and actually put on instead of falling asleep and forgetting). Haha.
xo,
s
Julie says
Yup, CaliBaby now has parabens and really horrible chemicals in their formulation (why on earth they did that I have no idea, maybe a terrible co like P&G or Dial bought them). My niece M has had only Dr. Bronner’s Castille Soap used on her from birth to now (she turned 3 last week) and she never had cradle cap, skin sensitivity (unless Aunt J accidentally used Burt’s Bees baby lotion after bath when I watched her, something is in that as well, she would break out in welts).
I have tried using the castille soap, both Dr. Bronner and also the one Trader Joe’s used to sell, and it harshes my facial skin horribly. I found Nutribiotic Sensitive Skin face cleanser, 4.00 for a 16oz bottle, on IHerb.com and have never looked back. Lasts forever, is cheaper than a bottle of Dr. Bronner and I also use it on my body. Also tried Bronner as a shampoo a few times, I paid big time, and learned what having needle-fine straw for hair is like…
Carley says
I love this. My makeup is probably the one thing that is pretty simple, but frankly, though I love the products I use right now, I find them insanely too expensive. Have you ever tried Physician’s Formula Organic Wear foundation? I only ask because I tend to like a light foundation as well.
Want to come help me simplify other products??? Hahaha, seriously, I need some simplicity in my life now that I’m back to work from maternity leave. (Cue the violins playing the sad music!)
YoungHouseLove says
I’ve tried the tinted moisurizer and love it! That’s in my drawer for “special occasions” since I don’t use it every day- but it’s nice and light but still have some nice coverage. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Emma says
Apologies if this has been brought up in 8 pages of comments (gosh you guys are popular), but when you said you don’t have extra anything laying around… I totally get that because of clutter, but I’m always stocking up whenever I see a sale! If your shampoo was on sale somewhere (buy 3, get 1 free or something), would you go for it? There are some things I totally do that with (my refill razors, for example – stupid things are so expensive!).
YoungHouseLove says
Oddly enough, there aren’t many sales/coupons on our organic stuff like our shampoo and my makeup, but sometimes things like our razors go on sale or get a coupon and we’ll grab an extra box. As long as we have a place to store it we’ll get it, but we won’t get 50 boxes or anything, ya know?
xo,
s
Sara says
1.) I’ve always thought your skin is gorgeous, Sherry, but after seeing your minimalistic makeup bag I have to say YOUR SKIN IS AMAZEBALLS! :)
2.) I made a “shopping list” of all your (very few) products and am turning over a natural (organic) beauty/minimalist/environmentally-friendly leaf starting NOW! So inspired.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, thanks Sara! My skin wasn’t always awesome (and I still get a pesky zit from time to time) but I really think milder make-up and cleaning products/shampoo/conditioner seemed to make a big difference for me!
xo,
s
Jill says
Have you read the update that California Baby posted on their website? They explain about the change in the Calendula Cream. They say the reason it’s now second on the ingredient list is because they use less since the concentration is now higher. Maybe reading their site will ease your worry about the changes. =)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Jill! Someone in the comments (named Ted) provided a link about what went down and reading it really did make us confused about why they would make those changes and then deny them and finally come clean. Off to read their website to get more info though!
xo,
s
Karen F says
just wanted to add, if you want some variety in your Dr. Bronners scents (since it takes forever to go through one of those big bottles), Whole Foods usually sells travel size bottles as well (by the travel stuff). Not that you want a ton of little bottle around, but might be good for your travel bag or if you want to use one scent for your face/body and another for the kiddos or kitchen!
YoungHouseLove says
Didn’t even know they came smaller- that’s a good tip for someone who might want to try them out before committing to a big bottle!
xo,
s
Katie says
Hi Sherry! I love your blog!
Dr. Bonner’s is great and I love your tips on simplifying.
When you run your of California Baby products, Aveeno just came out with an organic baby line. Johnson’s baby also has a new all natural line. Since they are major brands, you may be able to find coupons!
Also, not sure if you meant that you leave your sunblock in the car console, but if so, you may want to stop doing that, as the heat that gets trapped in the car diminishes the effect of the active ingredients in the lotion.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tips Katie! All good things to know!
xo,
s
Christina says
Love your eco-posts!
Have you heard of ENJO (www.enjo.net)? You just clean with water, no cleaning products at all. Sounds cracy but it really works great. I use it to clean floors, windows, countertops, bathroom, dusting. They have a special fibre that collects the dirt and you just put it in the washing maschine after some time.
YoungHouseLove says
Never heard of that but it sounds awesome! Thanks for the tip!
xo,
s
Ashley says
So glad that you use toothpaste with fluoride, I’m a dentist and it kills me when people are so against fluoride, but then they get decay! Then I have to fill the cavities with a material which I can assure you is far from natural.
Jen says
Thanks for the info! I think at first trying it out I could only find a bottle of Dr. Bronner’s for about $20, and after couponing and not paying for body wash in a long time, that seemed crazy to me. So, I eased into it with a $7 bottle of Dr. Woods; might have to try out Dr. Bronner’s if I get a chance! Dr. Woods doesn’t seem to be nearly as thick even though it does still work great!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip Jen! Our Target sells Dr Bronners for 9-10 bucks and since it’s concentrated (we add water in a 1/1 ratio) we really get twice as much soap from that bottle and it lasts for like a year! That makes the price work better for cheap-os like us! Perhaps Dr Woods is already watered down so you don’t need to add water? That would explain the price difference!
xo,
s
Jenn says
Sherry- we use the Dr. Bronners peppermint for body wash…after reading your info on the additional uses I was so excited I went to their web site nad found all of the other uses! Thanks for the info! Did you know they also have baby soap?
YoungHouseLove says
That’s awesome! I wish they sold their baby soap at Target!
xo,
s
Katie says
I make our laundry detergent. I do a lot of laundry (three kids) and the natural detergent was getting way to expensive. So I spent about 5 bucks and made a ton of detergent. It’s been over a month now and I’ve only used a quarter of it. You should try it.
Oh, and now I use Dr. Bronner’s for everything, body wash, hand soap, dish detergent. It works great. I buy a big gallon sized bottle and just refill everything as needed. And I have a bunch of essential oils I add so it smells nice.
Pam says
It’s like we’re soulmates. I’ve been on a mission to purify and simplify all of our products. I have a lot of these same products and philosophies. I make my own face wash with Dr. Bronner’s (the unscented, baby mild) and tea tree oil (diluted, of course). It’s been working great. Good to know about the fluoride-free Tom’s, as I just bought my first fluoride-free toothpaste (Jason). Thanks for a great post!
Emily says
I know you use seventh generation dishwashing liquid but what dish soap do you use? The Dr. Bronners handsoap that is by the kitchen sink? I’m sorry if you’ve already covered it and I missed it. I can’t seem to find one that I’m really happy with so was wondering what you use! Thank You! Emily
YoungHouseLove says
Yup! It’s non-toxic and plant based, so we like using that on knives and pots and pans that can’t go into the dishwasher!
xo,
s
Cory says
Thank you. This is helpful as my wife and I are buying our first home in a month and we just looked at our new “life as homeowners” budget. It’s less.
I used to use American Crew for my hair but discovered that Giant sells a knock-off for half the price – it’s close enough (it even says “Compare to American Crew”). American Crew is $17 – this stuff is only like $8. Giant is probably more convenient in NoVa than Richmond – but I’d give it a shot if Target (or Krogers?) has an equivalent.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Cory! A few folks have said that Suave makes something really similar for a lot less, so John’s going to look for that next time he’s at Target. If we’re ever at Giant we’ll have to look for the stuff you’ve mentioned!
xo,
s
Katie says
Have you noticed any difference with the cloth diapers since switching to 7th Generation? I was searching doing some research to find a detergent that was affordable enough to use on all of our laundry, and noticed that 7th Gen doesn’t get a high rating on most lists of cloth-diaper friendly detergents. They’re one of those ‘Free & Clear’ detergents that isn’t entirely free of additives that can potentially impact the absorbancy & longevity of the diapers, as it does contain enzymes and softeners. (Probably why you don’t need fabric softener!) Here’s one of those lists of diaper-friendly detergents: http://www.diaperjungle.com/detergent-chart.html
(I haven’t gotten a chance to read through all the comments, so my apologies if someone already asked about this!)
For a diaper-cream and skin issues, I actually use something from the kitchen: organic coconut oil! It’s cloth-diaper friendly and makes baby smell so good! I spooned some into a few re-usable plastic containers to keep by the changing table and in the diaper bag.
YoungHouseLove says
You know what, we heard that warning very early on (like 4 weeks into cloth diapering) but we haven’t noticed a bit of difference- and our diapers are in really good shape compared to other friends of ours who have more of them and have used them less long! I wouldn’t say it’s all our detergent that keeps ours in good shape (we think using a diaper sprayer and our gentle front loading washer), but it doesn’t seem to hurt!
Love the coconut oil tip! Thanks!
xo,
s
Brittany says
I think I’m going to try that laundry detergent. Thanks!
Jenni Rey says
Our family of 4 (12 year old girl and 9 year old boy) use the same shampoo and conditioner in the shower. I buy it in 32 ounce bottles with the pump. It is kind of expensive but my hair has never felt so great and smelled good throughout the day. It is called Iden Bee Propolis. We have used this brand for almost a year and will not be changing any time soon.
Other than that, I am an organizer’s nightmare. I did just organize our bathroom last week, but it is not as pretty as yours!
Anna says
A great post on simplifying and using more earth and people-friendly products! I added a few of your favorites to my shopping list yesterday and was pleasantly surprised to find some of them on sale at Target. Tom’s Toothpastes and Mrs Meyer’s cleaning products are on sale through 5/5. So are Method cleaning products and Seventh Generation dish soap. Your post has excellent timing ;)
Lauren says
Just an FYI…there is a “Yes to Carrots” coupon on coupons.com. I think it is a $3 off when you buy $10 worth of products. :)
YoungHouseLove says
No way! I love that! Never seen coupons from them (I just get most of mine from the paper)!
xo,
s
Amie says
Hey Sherry,
I just came across this, thought you would be interested.
http://safemama.com/2012/01/21/california-baby-reformulation-drama/
It’s some information on California Baby and their recent reformulation. Apparently it has caused some issues with rashes and burns.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, thanks for the tip! We added an update to the post after folks let us know about that!
xo,
s
kylee says
Loved reading all your Simplify tips! Vinegar & baking soda are my cleaning staples…so glad to get rid of toxic chemicals all over my house. Have you heard of IHerb.com for ordering organic/natural products cheaper than Wh Foods and Trader Joe’s?? Huge inventory…and if you use this code you get $5 off your first order (and I get $5 too!) GOQ003
Your blog is one of my few Daily Reads…love it!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip Kylee!
xo,
s
Elizabeth says
This a VERY inspiring… Since HS I have accumulated a bazzilion barely-full bottles of various things, mainly from people giving me products as gifts or trying out new things for my troubled skin… but the problem is that if I didn’t like something or I didn’t work, I would refuse to throw it out, thinking that I MIGHT use it some day! I hate to waste anything, but I really need to just get ride of all the things that I will most likely never get around to using up.
I haven’t heard of a lot of these products before; I need to check them out!
katalina says
THIS SHOULD BE YOUR NEXT BOOK. really. (and I can dream of the cover design again!)
simplify your life with less…. ( warning:long email to follow)
I think even if a product costs more ( makeup or cleaning supplies) but works– you should just buy that product and not buy anything else.
It took me awhile especially if you have allergies and think you need to try every lipgloss out there or every skincare product–just buy the ones that work. There should also be expiration dates on makeup!
same with pet food. they should list where they get/source their ingredients. would you ever think a hypo-allergenic pet food from the vet would have plastic melamine in it?
I am gluten free celiac so it is so important that foods and makeup etc have the right ingredients or not have the wrong ones. My (second) cat is grain free too. I would rather spend more for food he eats then throwaway/donate to shelters all the food he doesn’t. Canada is way ahead of this for people and animals. He eats Origin dry grain free food and welruva/great american company for wet food. Rather feed him better food and go to the vet once a year.
If there is a pet food company that does not release where the ingredients come from ( blue buffalo), forget it. Once you have a young pet die suddenly from plastic melamine added to their pet food to falsify the protein count–you become so much aware of research.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh Katalina that’s so sad! I’m so glad you’re spreading the word about pet food! Burger is such a member of our family that we make sure he’s on the best stuff!
xo,
s
Taylor says
I went and picked up some Tom’s apricot deodorant to try it out after seeing your post. I attempted it… and I’m totally allergic to it! I looked it up online and a ton of other people have the same problem and apparently for the apricot kind, the health rating is a 3/10 for two questionable ingredients… be careful!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no! I’ve never tried the apricot kind! Thanks for the warning!
xo,
s
Holli Coats says
As far as one product that does the job of two (or three, or four, or ten..) goes, coconut oil is THE BOMB. I just caught wind of the magic of coconut oil, and if you’ve never tried it you should seriously check it out. Not only is it supposed to be great for cooking (haven’t tried that yet), it is amazing for body care too. I currently use it as a facial and body moisturizer for myself and my baby’s eczema riddled skin, remove my makeup with it, I shave my legs with it, and I’ve tried making a natural deodorant with it. I’m not totally sold on the deo yet, but man it does wonders for your skin! Here is a link to a blog that talks about some ways to use it, if you are interested:
http://www.crunchybetty.com/a-millionish-uncommon-and-not-so-uncommon-uses-for-coconut-oil
You’ve inspired me to pare down some other products though- thanks for sharing all your tips this week!
YoungHouseLove says
Awesome! I love that tip Holli!
xo,
s
Karen F says
Our pediatrician recommended coconut oil for my daughter’s eczema, too. Can’t say it works 100% (then again, I’m also not religious about applying it) but I love the fact that I’m using something totally natural on her skin.
Kari says
If you don’t already follow it, think you’d love the ideas and the decorating styles in the blog “I Heart Organizing”.
http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/
Like you guys, she curated a collection for Joss and Main, which is how I came across her blog.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, we love her blog!
xo,
s
Jennifer says
I love how you guys find creative ways to simplify! I really like to use natural products when at all possible, but was curious about one area – BUGS. I know..gross, but especially fixing up older homes, have you guys run across any problems? And if so, what have you found that works effectively?
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, we have had some ants a few years back and we learned that they don’t like bay leaves and black pepper! It worked! Here’s that post: https://www.younghouselove.com/2009/05/ants-in-my-pans/
xo,
s
Alicia says
I had a little bit of an obsession with Burt’s Bees lip balm over the last decade and also kept it hidden strategically around my house and car, but I recently found out that they added limonene to the formula. That ingredient is not included in EWG’s rating of Burt’s Bees and it is actually rated a 6. I was really surprised and ended up switching to Badger’s lip balm, their mint is fairly close. I still can’t believe they changed the formula.
YoungHouseLove says
Wow- thanks for the heads up! Hadn’t heard that! Will have to check the labels (some have different things in each formula).
xo,
s
travelstovegas says
Hi! Thanks for the updates. I didn’t read all the replies, but after stumbling upon a good sale one day, my husband and I really LOVE the Babyganics brand of natural items for our daughter. We’re especially crazy about their diaper balm called Healin’ Groovy. Ha ha ha! Check them out, maybe you’ll like them too if you swap from California Baby.
http://www.babyganics.com/about_us
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip!!
xo,
s
Jane says
I’ve been meaning to organize/cut down my make-up products (I think I still have lip glosses I bought in high school) but haven’t gotten around to actually doing it. This post inspired me — it’s now at the top of my to-do list for the weekend!