I don’t know if it’s the economy, the downsizing trend or just my obsessive compulsive personality, but lately we’ve been more into living with less than ever before.
From paring down our closets and cabinets for a soul-cleansing Goodwill run, to sorting our files and folders in an attempt to whittle down our paperwork, we’ve officially been bitten by the “it’s-a-new-year-so-lets-organize-the-whole-house-for-real-this-time” bug. But not only do we find ourselves striving for a clean house with everything in its place. Lately I’ve actually been craving less. Less to buy. Less to clean. Less to store. Less to use.
For example, here’s what we now see when we step into the shower:
We recently realized we both liked the same shampoo and conditioner (Burt’s Bees) so why not stop buying our own bottles and share? Purchasing a single bottle of each breaks the constant cycle of someone needing shampoo or conditioner every time we go to Target (or worse, someone thinking they do and realizing they don’t when we get home). And using the same body wash (Jason) allows us to pick up a jumbo sized bottle every once in a blue moon which saves us money, time spent replacing smaller bottles more often, and even cuts down on packaging waste. We also share a loofa, a bar of face soap, and a pumice stone (ok, the last item’s all me) so other than the razor (also all me) there’s nothing else cluttering up our shower or frequently appearing on our shopping list. Just the small decision to share shampoo, conditioner, body wash and a bar of soap has seriously cleaned up our act in the shower. But there are a few more places that we’ve opted for less. Update: we’ve since switched over to Avalon Organics shampoo & conditioner and Dr. Bronner’s body wash (which is even more natural) and we love it!
Thanks to a lot of our eco-related changes, pairing down in a few other areas has gotten downright automatic. Relying only on Seventh Generation laundry detergent (no bleach or fabric softener) makes shopping for laundry products few and far between (and makes storing a single bottle a breeze).
And now that I only use all natural eco-friendly and organic makeup, I find that I no longer amass a pile of new products in my makeup bag that I never use. Presto- no more impulsive purple eye shadow or bubble gum pink lip gloss purchases that seemed like a good idea at the time. I’ve also permanently passed on painted fingernails (and painted toes most of the time) and must admit that I love the clean and never-chipped-and-in-need-of-a-touch-up look. Of course there are water based non-toxic formulas (like Honey Bee Gardens and Zoya) but something about completely eliminating that expense and the time it takes to maintain painted fingers & toes feels like more of a gift to myself than polished ones ever did. And I still keep ’em clipped and buffed for a polished appearance so I hardly feel like I’m “letting myself go.” Not that John would even notice if I was (love ya for that, honey!). And in the rare event that I do paint my toes, I use one of three vegan non-toxic polishes that I own (soft pink, deep red and punchy coral are all the colors I’ll ever need). No more spending money on the trendy hues or having to store dozens of bottles.
Here’s another example of the simplicity bug. Ladies (and gents?), I give you my makeup bag:
You’ll have to excuse my $5 fake Louis purchased in Chinatown over six years ago (can you believe the zipper still works?) but the point is that 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 the suitcase when we do hit the road) and it only holds a handful of tried and true products that get me through the day and the occasional fancy schmancy event.
Here it is all emptied out:
Organic Wear bronze and blush (in recyclable paper containers) not only add a bit of color to my too-pale face, but the bronzer also doubles as shimmering tan eye shadow when applied with the little padded brush. Then I just curl the ol’ eyelashes, slick on some mascara and polish things off with a little brow gel and I’m good to go. 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 my looking more polished than ever before, thanks to a streamlined process that actually appeals to an on-the-go girl like me.
In short, I’ve never felt like less of a slave to beauty products. Or hair products and perfume for that matter. I’ve always been a wash and wear girl, so hairspray and pomade have never been my thing, but I’ve recently made the decision to forsake perfume as well (after years of somewhat religious use). All those chemical fragrances can be irritating and can actually contribute considerably to indoor air pollution, and I actually love the smell of my organic soaps and lotions so I hardly miss the alcohol-riddled scent of perfume hanging in the air before I leave the house. And now there are entire sections of magazines about makeup, perfume and polish that I can gloss over entirely. I can’t tell you how nice it is to not always want everything I read about.
By choosing to covet less (and only buy organic and all natural) 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 at all, on the contrary, it feels like I’m gaining so much more. A healthier and more pure lifestyle, closet and cabinet space to spare, more moolah in my wallet, and extra time that I can spend doing things other than shopping and obsessing over every new product to hit the shelves.
It’s official. Life is good when it’s simple. And 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, we’d love to know what you guys are doing to clean out your closets (and your lives) for 2009! Dish the less is more dirt.
*Check out this great post over at decor8. There’s something in the air! Everyone’s getting back to basics.
**For an exhaustive list of our favorite certified organic/all natural/chemical-free products, check the comment section of this post for specific names of everything that we use and love.
momomatic says
Good topic! I began my live with less lifestyle when we were in Hampton, VA. Hampton is part of the Chesapeake Watershed area and I was horrified after I had done the reading on what is happening to the Bay. We completely eliminated the use of pesticides, bleach, anything with phosphates, you name it. Of course, we lived down the street from a guy with a giant SUV with a “Save the Bay” sticker on his truck–he had a Chem Lawn guy come once a month to keep his yard perfect for the sake of saving the bay, I guess.
Lynne says
I love your simplified routine but you are so pretty you don’t need much makeup! I need more work, I’m afraid – but I am always decluttering. At the minute I am trying to use up all the half-started bottles of lotion etc before buying any more.
Carrie says
Perfect post, something I have been striving after for a while now. Granted I still have a lot of room for improvement, but we all need to start somewhere. Kudos!
Justine says
Hi there. Was just sent here by a friend who is suddenly inspired to clean out her closets because of you! So, I read your post and wow, you are doing so well working with the environment, instead of against it. I do my best with recycling and such, but I’ll never get to the level you’re at!
Sophie says
I use physician’s formula organic wear makeup too! Yay for eco-friendly makeup :D You should check out my blog, i just started it a couple months ago, but it’s worth your time :) Thanks!
-Sophie
Andrea says
I love the California Baby line of products…they are chemical-free and have a light smell–which is great if you are smell sensitive like I am. Sherry–how do you keep your clothes from getting all static-y in the dryer? I use the Seventh Generation laundry detergent and a fabric softener from Whole Foods–but I can’t kick the softener habit until I can learn how to de-static my clothes.
Katie says
Heya im a bit OCD with this blog – im from Australia and I add half a cup of white vinegar to the final rinse of my wash cycle to stop static on clothes. Also works a treat with bed linen – I find it stops dust, hair and pet hair from sticking to the linen. vinegar is also acts as antibacterial! Give it a go!
YoungHouseLove says
Such a great tip!
xo,
s
Katie says
Oh and I also forgot to mention that it brightens whites and gets rid of the yellow stains left under the arms of tops etc.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Andrea,
Hmmm, good question. We actually haven’t had an issue with static on our clothes – maybe its our new front loaders that do so much drying in the washer that we only need to dry for 30 mins? Perhaps someone else could offer a solution to preventing static without frabric softner. If not, sounds like your Seventh Generation and Whole Foods products are a good way to go!
Courtney says
Great post! I am inspired by your paring down. I feel that I’m pretty good about clutter around the house and getting rid of things I don’t need. But, I’m a sucker for beauty products! I don’t know what it is. We have two different kinds of shampoo for me, one conditioner (me), his two-in-one shampoo and conditioner, one body wash, one specialty body scrub (me), facial scrub (me), razor (me) – this could use some work!
Susan says
Hi Sherry!
Darn. Wish they had a better way of mixing!
I’m actually looking for a more yellow green, so I might just bite the bullet and buy a gallon of green and a gallon of yellow and mix ’em myself. We’ll see!
Thanks for the info. :) I’m going to try the new mascara when I’m out of the L’Oreal. Why not?!
Thanks,
Susan
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Susan,
Definitely keep us posted if you end up mixing your own custom green paint color! It actually sounds like a fun little afternoon project to me (although I’ll admit I’m paint crazy). I love that in doing it yourself you can just keep adding or subtracting ’til you get the perfect color. Whee!
xo,
Sherry
Niki says
Hello,
I just stumbled across your site today and I really love it!
I also absolutely adore your soap dispenser beside your makeup bag. I have been looking for something like that for awhile but cant find anything close here in Missouri. I have recently started making my own bar soap. Which I then use to make my own laundry soap, body wash, tooth paste, dish soap and anything else i can think of (except shampoo, i use the burts bees too :) ). I just wanted to ask if you remember where u got your dispenser? Thanks for all the good information!
Niki
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Niki,
It’s actually from Target and they should still have ’em (it was a pretty recent purchase) so check out their bathroom section. Best of all it’s made of recycled glass and only $9 or so, good for the wallet and the conscience.
xo,
Sherry
Jessie says
Hi! Do you have the links to your shower curtain and your shower liner?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jessie,
The 84 inch fabric liner is from Bed Bath & Beyond (I don’t see it on their site but I found it in the store). It doesn’t need to be as long as the 95″ white waffle curtain (since that hangs outside of the tub and the liner only has to hit the top of the inside of the tub). The 95 inch waffle curtain is from Amazon (I don’t have the exact link, but try searching “extra long shower curtain” or “95” waffle shower curtain” until something pops up). Happy hunting!
xo,
Sherry
Jennifer says
Hi Sherry & John,
I’m loving your liquid soap dispenser on the sink pictures in the photos above. Where might I find one??
Jennifer
PS – By the way, I also use Dr. Bronner’s liquid Castile soap in almond (LOVE IT) but I fill a foamer pump with 1 part soap and 5 parts filtered water. It makes a quick foam, and makes the soap go a long way! (Still want YOUR dispenser though!!)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jennifer,
It’s actually a recycled glass soap pump from Target! How perfect for Dr. Bronners, eh? Here’s the link all about it:
https://www.younghouselove.com/2009/01/steal-of-the-week-pump-it-up/
xoxo,
Sherry
Stacie says
Here’s a great website offering the real skinny on cosmetics and how the ingredients affect your skin and the claims cosmetics companies make about their products. I’ve been reading and following her advice for over 10 years now and have found my skin to be so much healthier because of it. It’s very knowledgeable and insightful…. http://www.cosmeticscop.com
LINDZ says
Ok –
So I’ve just recently been introduced to your blog about a month ago to be exact and you two are brilliant. Since I’ve read just about every post I figured it was time to dig in to the How-To section which I’m BLOWN away by! Did I mention I was BLOWN AWAY?! I love this post because I think everyone has the idea to want things simple but they find it hard because of all the glitz and glam of the media and the temptation to buy. Now has never been a better time to simplify what you have. I do have to ask….How in the world do you keep your tile backsplash to clean? I’ve bought every cleaning product know to man and I can’t seem to get my tile to clean up right … What do you use?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Lindz,
Thanks for the kind words! We wish we had a big secret for keeping tile clean but we actually just use eco-cleaning products (we love Ecover and Seventh Generation) to scrub down almost every surface imaginable. A lot of them are all-purpose formulas so a good once over every week or so really keeps things looking so fresh and so clean. Hope it helps!
xo,
Sherry
Tara Godbold says
When I click on the link to your list of favorite organic products, I’m directed to another section on your blog, but not to the list.. Is it located somewhere else? Love your blog, btw. You have inspired me in so many ways!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Tara,
Here’s our attempt at an exhaustive list of our favorite certified organic/all natural/chemical-free products. We’ve experimented with our fair share, so here are our tried & true favorites:
Shampoo: Avalon Organics Peppermint Shampoo (from Target, CVS, Kroger, Whole Foods)
Conditioner: Avalon Organics Peppermint Conditioner (from Target, CVS, Kroger, Whole Foods)
Body Wash: Dr. Bronner’s Magic Shakakai Soap (from Target, Kroger, Whole Foods)
Bar Soap: Dr. Bronner’s All One Bar Soap (from Target, Kroger, Whole Foods)
Liquid Soap: Dr. Bronner’s Castille Soap in Almond (from Target, CVS, Kroger, Whole Foods)
Bronzer: Physician’s Formula Organic Wear Bronzer (the case doesn’t say the color but I get the darkest kind for some extra color since it’s pretty light when it goes on) (Target, CVS)
Blush: Physician’s Formula Organic Wear Blush (the case doesn’t say the color but I get the darkest kind for some extra color since it’s also pretty light when it goes on) (Target, CVS)
Mascara: Physician’s Formula Organic Wear Mascara in black (Target, CVS, perhaps Whole Foods- this is very new so it might be on the way in your area)
Sunscreen: Bullfrog Sunscreen SPF 30 (Target, CVS)
Body Lotion: Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Coconut Organic Lotion (Target, Whole Foods)
Nightly Face Cream (for me, J’s not a face cream kind of guy): Avalon Organics Vitamin C Renewal Facial Cream- love this stuff (Target, Whole Foods)
Shower Cleaner: Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Shower Cleaner in Lemon Verbena (Target, Kroger, Ukrops)
Dish Detergent: Seventh Generation Free & Clear Natural Automatic Dishwasher Powder- we found this worked better than their liquid formulas (Kroger, Whole Foods)
Laundry Detergent: Seventh Generation Free & Clear Natural Laundry Detergent made for high efficiency washers like ours (Kroger, Whole Foods)
All Purpose Cleaner (for counters, floors, etc): Mrs. Meyers Clean Day in Lemon Verbena (Target, Kroger, Ukrops)
Hope it helps!
xoxo,
Sherry
Kevin M says
Have you ever tried making your own dishwasher or laundry detergent? There are several recipes online, just wondered if you had any experience with it? I’m doing my first batch this week when our store-bought runs out.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Kevin,
That’s definitely on our to-do list and we’d love to know what works for you (maybe we’ll copy your formula!) so definitely let us know how it goes!
xo,
s
Kelsi says
I’m so excited about this post! We made our “switch” this last weekend. However, I have a HUGE question for you. And there’s no “simple” way to ask, so I’m just gonna go for it. What kind of deodorant do you two use? I talked my Mr. into making the switch with me (we were using the kinds with 20% aluminum!) and… um…. it’s not doing so “hot”. We are definitely returning them (Sprouts fully encouraged it… so whatever, right!?) and we are *this* close to giving up in that area. So if you can, HELP! ((Especially you, John! Please save my nose! haha I’m so in the dog house for this!)) Although I could use some help in the girl’s area as well, I’m just not as desperate. =)
YoungHouseLove says
After trying a few brands John and I prefer Tom’s Of Maine. It still takes a bit of getting used to but if it holds up to hot humid Virginia summers, there’s hope for you! We would recommend sticking with it for a week or two and your body will slowly adjust and it will work better with time. Good luck!
xo,
s
kelsi says
OH ok. We’ll have to try that brand. Everyone at Sprout’s recommended the ones that we bought, but i just hate stinking! It would make sense, though, if our bodies have to “adjust” since it’s so used to the alluminum crap. Thanks for the tip! AZ is gross right now (120*F of gross…) so maybe I’m trying to do the switch at the wrong time of year! lol
Heather says
J&S, this list was passed on to me by a friend. Just thought you might like to know, since a few of the products yyou use are on the list.. Me too.. Gotta find some new REAL organic products for body care. =(
FAKE ORGANICS: These companies use synthetics and sometimes very little organics in their finished product. The ingredient names follwoing the brand name are examples of the exact toxic ingredients these companies use, that landed them on my No No list and the USDA Organic regulations do not condone use of. You won’t see the USDA Organic logo on any of these brands, yet, they still try to trick the uneducated public into believing they are an “organic” product by calling their brand name ” ____ organic”.
Alba Botanica – Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone, Octinoxate , Oxybenzone, Peg-100, Sodium PCA, etc.
Avalon Organics – Cocamidopropyl betaine, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium oleamido succinate, Sodium PCA, Octinoxate, Oxybenzone, etc.
Babywise Organics – Octyl Palmitate (I’m finding this to be another name for Dimethicone..correct me if I’m wrong), Retinyl Palmitate , Phenoxyethanol, Ceteareth-20, Dimethicone, Cocamidopropyl Betaine , Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, etc.
Derma E Organic Expressions – PEG-7, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Dimethicone, Peg-175, PEG-200, Phenoxyethanol, Hexylene Glycol, etc.
Giovanni Organics – PVP (which is vinyl), PEG-40, Polysorbate 60, Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Octylmethoxycinnamate, Diazolidinyl Urea, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium Cocamphodiacetate, PEG-8, etc,
Head Organics – PEG-7, PVP (which is vinyl), Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Cetrimonium Chloride, etc.
Jason pure natural organic – Cocamide MEA, Polyquaternium-7, Propylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimethicone,
Juice Beauty – Retinyl palmitate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexyl (octyl) palmitate, Cocamidopropyl betaine. Only 4 of over 30 products actually carry the USDA Organic logo, all other 30+ products do not. To me having only 4 certified products, does not make you an organic company.
Kiss My Face Organics – Phenoxyethanol (funny their adverts claim they are “Obsesivly Organic”. HA! Really?)
Lotus Touch organic & natural – PEG-100 Stearate, Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Retinyl Palmitate, Bisabolol,
Mill Creek Organics a.k.a. Amazon Organics – Cocamidopropyl betaine, Octyl dimethyl PABA, Acrylates copolymer,
Natures Gate Organics – Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-120, Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Oxybenzone, PEG-100, Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, PVP, Dimethiconol,
Organix – Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide DEA, Dimethicone, (Behentrimonium 2 of 4 are toxic, they don’t notate which of the 4 types they are using..so this one is iffy), Tetrasodium EDTA, Methylchloroisothiazolinone , Methylisothiazolinone, etc.
Organix South Inc, a.k.a. Thera Neem – Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Lauramide DEA, PEG-7, PEG-40,
Pharmacopia Organic – Phenoxyethanol; Chlorphenesin, Cocamidopropyl betaine
AND
FAKE NATURALS: These companies claim they are natural, safe, part of wellness, or pure; but use toxic synthetics in their products. The words Natural, Pure, & Safe have no regulations guiding their use. Any company can make these claims regardless to if the claim is true or not.
365 by Whole Foods (so confusing to me at to why their body care products contain junk ingredients).
Alba – Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone, Octinoxate , Oxybenzone, Peg-100, Sodium PCA, etc.
Arbonne – Cocamidopropyl Betaine Coconut , PEG-80, Peg-120, Retinyl Palmitate, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol , Hexylene Glycol , etc. (their baby line is horribly toxic).
Arm & Hammer Essentials Deodorant- propylene glycol, tricolsan, (they test on animals, this alone is enough to boycott them)
Aveeno – Dimethicone, Petrolatum, Distearyldimonium Chloride, PEG-80, Trisodium EDTA, PEG-150, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
The Body Shop – PEG-100, Parabens (1 product alone had 5 different types of parabens), EDTA, Yellow #5, Red #4, PEG-8, Cocamide DEA, Dimethicone, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide DEA, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-18, PVP
Derma E – Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Phenoxyethanol, Retinyl Palmitate, Dimethyl MEA , PEG-100, Cocamide DEA
Earth Science – Phenoxyethanol, Retinyl Palmitate, Dimethicone, benzophenone-3
Healthy Times baby line – Parabens
Huggies/Pamper naturals. “Yeah, right.” yes that was sarcasim
Jackson Reece Herbal baby wipes – cocamidoproyl betaine, phenoxyethanol
Kiss my Face – Trisodium EDTA, Retinyl Palmitate, Phenoxyethanol, Octinoxate, Oxybenzone, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Propylene glycol, Triethanolamine.
Korres Natural Products – Propylparaben, Methylparaben, PEG- 8, Aluminium Oxide, PEG-100, Phenoxyethanol, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Methylparaben, PEG-60, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol (one product had 5 parabens & pheno. That’s just ludacris)
Lush – Triethanolamine, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, (this company is at least 1/2 honest…when listing their ingredients, they color code the natural & synthetic so it’s easy to read, but they call them “safe synthetics”, I have to disagree)
Melaleuca – Dimethicone, PEG – 100, Phenoxyethanol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Avobenzone, Ostisalate, Octinoxate, Octocyrlene, EDTA, Triethanolamine, PEG-7, PEG-60,
Method – Cocamidopropyl betaine, Methylisothiazolinone, Sodium lauryl sulfate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Cocamide DEA, retinyl palmitate, (gets sneaky & shady by not disclosing the name of their preservatives or what type of color they use. it just says “preservative” “color”)
Mill Creek Botanicals – Disodium-EDTA, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide DEA, Imidazolidinyl Urea
Nature’s Gate – Phenoxyethanol, PEG-100, Butylene Glycol, Triethanolamine, Cocamide DEA, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Disodium EDTA, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Octinoxate; Oxybenzone, Dimethicone
Pure and Basic – Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-90, Acrylates Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol, Methylparaben
Shaklee – Phenoxyethanol, Didodium EDTA, Octinoxate, Octisalate, Oxybenzone, PEG-10, Dimethicone, AMMONIUM LAURETH SULFATE, SODIUM LAURYL SULFOACETATE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, PEG-12, RETINYL PALMITATE
Tom’s of Maine – SLS, Proplyene Glycol
Zia – Phenoxyethanol, Octinoxate, Oxybenzone, Octisalate,
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much for the rundown! Lately we are loving all things Dr. Bronners and making our own cleansers with vinegar and baking soda!
xo,
s
Heather says
I will have to try Dr. Bronners. Where do you purchase your products?
Thanks =D
YoungHouseLove says
Mainly at Target (they have the chapstick, body wash, lotion, bar soap and liquid dispenser soap). Then we order their shaving cream online on sites like amazon.com. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Laura says
Thanks for your list of “tried and true” favorites. I recently bought the Physician’s Formula Organic powder, bronzer, and blush and LOVE it! Next time I need mascara, I’m definitely going with this brand.
Now to my question… I noticed that you have your nightly face cream listed but do you use anything else to remove make-up and clean your face? I’m slowly trying to go to more natural products but need (?) a make-up remover / facial cleanser. Right now I use Clinique but am almost out and before I purchase more, I wanted to see if you or anyone else had any suggestions for something more natural.
Thanks!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Good question! I actually love to use my Dr. Bronners bar soap to gently remove my make-up and wash my face (which I also use in the shower). It’s totally organic, natural and plant based so it doesn’t get more pure than that. I get mine at Target (they have tons of kinds but I prefer the almond scented one). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Laura says
Your 2 step routine to wash and moisturize your face is A LOT more simple than my current 4 step process with Clinique – thanks Sherry!
Brianna says
Oh by the way, if you ever want to look up your products (at least cosmetically) there is a website http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com that points out all the harming agents in your stuff. I wish I had found this out before my recent shampoo/conditioner purchase! After reading about your switching from Burts Bees to Avalon Organics, I deliberated at the store between Avalon which was 8.99 a bottle and 6.75 a bottle for the Jason brand (on sale) and choosing the Jason. After looking it up, Avalon would have been the far better choice and I’m not thrilled with the Jason results as it is. I’ll remember that after I am able to buy shampoo and conditioner again when the Jason is gone.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Brianna,
Great tip! We love the Skin Deep website and suggest that everyone check out their products. Sometimes the results are downright scary. They were for us which is why we use totally different stuff now. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Laura says
Is this seriously true?! “currently have…. 18 shirts/tops/blazers.” What about sweatshirts, t-shirts, cleaning clothes, etc…?! How do you keep your look fresh with less… buy pieces that you can mix and match with your jeans, pants, and skirts? You have inspired me to declutter my closet! I have a LOT of clothes that I cannot wear anymore because, unfortunately, I have gained weight. My husband urges me to keep them as “motivation” to begin working out (I eat pretty healthy most of the time!) but I figure that by the time I can fit into them again, I’d probably be tired of them anyway. :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Laura,
It’s really true! And since writing this post I probably have fewer items of clothing because one of my favorite things to do is to ruthlessly pare down when it comes to my closet. I mainly use jewelry (a few pairs of statement earrings, some bold and fun necklaces, a few punchy and colorful bracelets) and other accessories (a few scarves, belts, and super fun shoes) to keep my pretty basic wardrobe looking interesting enough for people not to notice when I wear the same basic black top, clean-lined sweater, etc. And I only have two skirts (one black and one denim) that are also super classic that can be mixed and matched along with two pairs of jeans (one dark and long, one lighter and shorter for flats) so that makes grabbing bottoms super easy. Of course I have one pair of black pants and a few dresses for more formal occasions, but nobody needs ten pairs of black pants and khakis and twenty pairs of jeans- just pick the ones that look the absolute best on you (they’re guaranteed to make you feel your best too) and do yourself a favor and donate the rest to charity (or sell them to a secondhand store).
Oh and I’m a dictator when it comes to t-shirts, cleaning clothes, sweatshirts, etc. I have one sweatshirt. It does the job. I have two t-shirts for cleaning and bumming around. I’ve never needed more. And as for painting clothes, I have one shirt and one pair of paints which is really all you need, right?
As for your clothes that no longer fit, I definitely think you can lose 99% of them. You’re right about the fact that you’ll probably grow tired of them anyway and they just take up valuable real estate in your closet that you could be devoting to new clothes that make you look and feel awesome. Of course you can save anything that has sentimental value or that might actually be a classic that you can wear over and over again, but for the most part either donating, selling, or storing the rest of them out of your closet (perhaps in under-bed storage containers) will definitely free up some room for you to breathe. Hope it helps! Good luck!
xo,
s
Jessica says
Hey! Much like everyone else and their mom, I love your blog- and your style- which made me so surprised when I read about your simple closet. It makes sense!
One thing to add: I don’t like perfumes, either, so I use essential oils (which are great for many things) as my perfume. natural and great smelling. (but read up b/c when you are pregnant some scents are not recommended). Then, you can use the oils to make your own bath salts, scrubs and other products.
sara says
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE DO YOU PUT THINGS, LIKE BODY LOTIONS, ANTI PERSPIRANT, PARFUMES, COMBS, HAIR BRUSHES,AND SOME OTHER UNSIGHTLY TINGS, THAT INVADE NIGTH TABLES AND ALL SURFACES IN A BEDROOM..
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Sara,
We actually have shelves in our bedside wardrobes that are super easy to access just like a night table while we’re in bed. We just slip our hands behind the curtain and grab things like our contact solution, phone (which we use as an alarm clock), etc. Here’s a post with a view of that shelf for ya: https://www.younghouselove.com/2009/06/closet-crashing-our-very-own-digs/
And here’s a post with a view of the newly renovated bathroom which shows the drawer where we keep deodorant and toothbrushes and toothpaste (while we use a basket in the open closet to store brushes and combs and hair things, etc): https://www.younghouselove.com/2010/01/tackling-the-bathroom-the-big-reveal/
Hope it helps!
xo,
s
sarah says
i am so glad i found this article. we are switching over to all non toxic products in our house too. two questions- do you still use toms of maine for your deoderant?
and what products are you going to use on the beanette when she arrives?
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, we still use Tom’s deodorant and toothpaste and like it. When the baby arrives we’ll be using California Baby products on her (a great green line that is actually carried at Target in the baby aisle). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Jessica says
Saw this website and thought of you guys!
http://www.betterworldshopper.org
I love your simplified routine and closet. I’m working on that as we speak! Just donated a whole bunch of unused beauty products to a Women’s shelter. Feels good. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the link! Off to check it out…
xo,
s
Sarah says
Hey Sherry,
I was inspired, as always !! to about your use of all or mostly organic products. I was looking us the Physicians Formula and followed a few link and found out that Dr. Bronners is suing them for not actually being organic and carrying the EcoCert sign (also being sued) here’s the link, its interesting. A little discouraging though, of course I want to buy organic and things better for my family and the environment, but to pay extra and not actually be organic? Frustrating. I wonder if there actually is anything 100% good for you and all organic and natural ( as I was reading a post above about the list of products!!) *sigh*
Heres the link: http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/ecocert-crosscomplaint.pdf
YoungHouseLove says
That’s interesting Sarah! I’m still extremely happy with my Organic Wear makeup since it’s devoid of many other additives that I try to avoid (pthalates, talc, etc). So even though it might not have 100% organic ingredients it’s still a lot more pure than a “regular” cosmetics line (which often has coal tar, talc, pthalates and even trace amounts of lead!). And who knows, maybe the lawsuit will encourage them to get even more additive free & organic in the future! Plus their packaging is 100% recyclable which is also a huge plus for us.
xo,
s
Jess says
Quick question.. did you guys mean “Seventh Generation” when you wrote “Next Generation” for laundry detergent?
Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! So sorry about that old typo. All fixed.
xo,
s
Laura J says
Hey Sherry! I was looking over your product list (again!) and am wondering what you use for facial sunblock? I’ve looked at a few products but can’t decide which is better and more green. Any suggestions?
YoungHouseLove says
California Baby from Target- it’s super pure so it’s great fir sensitive skin. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Christa says
Hi,
I was wondering what you have used and liked for natural deodorant and body lotion?
Thanks
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Crista,
These days we’re loving Dr. Bronner’s body lotion and Tom’s Of Maine deodorant. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Sara says
I love Dr. Haushka and Alba organics! Also in a de-clutter mode, my husband hates throwing things away (holy boxers) so I have to keep it on the DL! Too Much stuff weighs you down emotionally and think of how much time you save not digging for that thingy you misplaced!
Cadie says
I’m uber impressed by your tiny makeup bag! I’m thinking I need to pare down my massive collection of makeup products. It’s so good to see that you encourage the use of toxin-free beauty and personal care products. That’s a big portion of what I talk about on my blog: http://www.thesilverlining80.blogspot.com.
Thanks for the great post!
Essie says
I know this is an old post but I purposely was curious as to your makeup routine because you are the perfect example of natural beauty! Unfortunately I can’t go without some kind of foundation/concealer because of uneven skin tone and some dark spots from pimples that drive me crazy. Is there something you have tried or would suggest in that area?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Essie,
Organic Wear (which is made by Physician’s Formula and available at Target) has some foundations and concealers that might help. I haven’t personally tried them but I love their eye shadow, bronzer, and blush- so that bodes well. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Casey says
Question for you – what did you do with any makeup, nail polish, etc. that you decided to dispose of? I’m pumped about downsizing my collection, as I never use 80% of it anyway, but I also feel a bit of landfill-guilt at the idea of filling up a garbage bag full of unwanted stuff. Thoughts?
YoungHouseLove says
I actually passed nearly everything to a few friends who happily took my extra stuff! Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Janene says
Not sure if you guys have encountered it before, but the Skin Deep Cosmetic Database, by the Environmental Working Group is a great resource for figuring out what exactly the ingredients in your cosmetics do.
Check it out!
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/
Janene
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah we love that site! Thanks for making sure we’re in the loop!
xo,
s
Jordan says
Where did you get your soap dispenser? Love it, so simple!
YoungHouseLove says
Target! Hope it helps.
xo,
s
Kim says
My husband and I bought his family’s home which came with the left-overs from 6 other people. We’re slowly giving the items we don’t want to charity to make room for our things. We are not big consumers of ‘stuff’ which helps us , however we are big fans of consumable items that don’t clutter (also great gifts for the peron who has too much stuff).
Anyway, I must say that less is more.
Sarah Smith says
Hey Sherry! I just stumbled upon your blog this week while doing some research for decorating our new townhome. I have to say, I’m quite addicted now, and the fact that you live in VA is even better – I’m a native from NoVA who went to VCU and is currently living in LA!
Love this post about paring down. I’m a fan myself and have been enjoying a minimalist shower look for a while now, though I still haven’t found the perfect organic makeup line for my needs. I’m fortunate enough to have a Mother who makes handmade soap for a living and it is by far my favorite thing to wash with – body and hands! Dr. Bronner is pretty fab, too!
Anyway- thanks for all the lengthy and inspiring post! You’re awesome!
LB says
We have the exact shower w/ the tiles and black trim. How do you keep your tile grout so clean and mildew-free??? I scrub and scrub and the mildew build-up is inevitable!!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey LB,
We actually redid our bathroom a little while after this post since we did have an issue keeping the grout clean (in general things were just old and discolored and cracked) but if you do scrub your grout clean you can buy grout sealer at a place like Home Depot and if you seal it when it’s clean it’ll stay clean for a looooong time. So if you can get yours back to a semi-clean color it’s worth sealing it. But don’t try sealing it if it’s dirty or you’ll seal in the dirt!
xo,
s
Eliza says
I know that this is an old post but I just came across it and I have to ask – what is the brand of nail polish that you use?? I am vegan and very, very environmentally/health conscious. I have searching for a good nail polish and was thrilled to see that you use one!
I love you guys! You really inspire me :)
Eliza
[email protected]
YoungHouseLove says
Honeybee Gardens. Love it!
xo,
s
Maribel Quesada says
Hi there..I just read thru this post and comments. Very informative regarding your wardrobe. When you were working in New York what was in your closet?
YoungHouseLove says
I was in a casual profession since I was an advertising creative (I could wear jeans and blazers with heels or boots most of the time) so I had one pair of black pants, a few skirts, a few pairs of jeans, and a bunch of great tops, blazers, jackets, etc. Then I just used some accessories like earrings, purses, and shoes to keep things looking varied enough- even though I only had a small amount of “staples” that I rotated in and out. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
alma says
So, I have been following your blog for a while now and just now saw this post. I have to say, this is what I have been feeling like lately and it makes me feel good to know that my thought prosess is the same as many people have it. I just recently minimized my make up bag and stopped using parfume… strange similarities! But the thing is I feel libarated and it makes me feel like I have more. I also have another tip, for everything material that we give up we can substitute somthing new that means more, like a new ritual, where you enjoy things more without the materialistic things.
xoxo,
Alma
Lindsey says
Sherry,
The hubs and I have been paring down SO much these days, and as we dream of moving to a real house from our apartment in the coming year, we’re hoping to get down to our essentials before packing up so much excess. Though we didn’t officially anounce it (good idea when I get home!), I think our 2011 resolution is to continually re-evaluate our space, donate the excess, and live much more happily in our tiny/simplified home. It feels so much better to donate all the extras than live with Endless Things.
Thank you, always, for your inspirations!!!!!!!!
Lins
Tamiko says
This is a bit off topic, but where did you get your lovely bathroom soap dispenser? I love the simplicity!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s from Target. It’s recycled glass and we love it!
xo,
s
M says
I am just totally in awe of your pared-down wardrobe. Coming from a family of “you never know when you might need it” (for both clothes and everything else), I’d love to have your minimalism but it’s hard to break lifelong habits.
maribel says
Today I purchased PF bronzer organic wear bronze medium skin for the first time. I did it after finishing my department store bottle of foundation. I always hated how foundation and powder left a chalky look on my face. I love it because it leaves a light finish with some shimmer. I do say the paddle brush sucks, I had to pick the bristles(?) off my face. BTW, I think our makeup bags were separated at birth we should have them reunite.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah the brush stinks. I use a separate blush brush that sort of twists into its own cap. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
maribel says
just curious when do you stop answering comments? its just about 7 here in los angeles, you are what 3 hours ahead. Your guest room is looking great, cant wait for tomorrow. Love the color, you inspired me to add an orange accent pillow to my blue bedding (even made it my self)
YoungHouseLove says
We try to answer every comment question that we get, so if we’re awake we’ll check in (even at 9:57pm) so we don’t get backed up!
xo,
s
maribel says
I read thru your products you use. -Since then have you used a facial cream during the day. I’m looking for a good one, can you recommend one. Thanks
YoungHouseLove says
I used a Vitamin C cream in an orange tub by Avalon Organics I think for a while. Loved it but then got prego and stopped it.
xo,
s