This will come as no surprise to many of you; I'm slowly turning into a hippie.
I don't often blog about these things, because who wants to hear about my personal hygiene and cleanliness strategies? Also, when I read other posts about amazing DIY projects, I roll my eyes and scoff - nothing I make looks that pretty!
BUT, when I find something fantastic, I like to tell my friends. And I believe in living simply, minimizing processed/strange/chemical goods in my life, and saving money. SO. Read on, if you like, or skip over, if you prefer.
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Last year, there was my natural-hair-care experiment. While I didn't stick to an all-natural, home-made products after it was over, I have made significant shifts. For one, I only wash (shampoo) my hair every 5-7 days (every 3 showers). On other shower-days, I "co-wash" - mix a small amount of baking soda with my conditioner, work it into my scalp, and rinse well. I also use a leave-in conditioner, and hardly use gel (although I may start that up again in the winter). Also, I'm making a conscious effort to purchase plant-based, natural & simple products. I just purchased handmade castor oil based shampoo/soap and am going to try that out this week...will keep you posted (if you let me know you want to hear).
This summer I've made two more shifts. Both I was a bit skeptical of, but willing to try, and definitely impressed.
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Back in the winter, I saw a post on Facebook about someone's homemade deodorant. I rolled my eyes at their hippie-dom, until I noticed that not one but two husbands admitted in the comments that they also use this homemade deodorant, and that it is the best deodorant they've ever had.
Well. If farm boys were publicly admitting to and advocating for this hippie recipe, I supposed I could give it a chance...and I was running low on deodorant. So I asked for the instructions:
I play soccer and ultimate frisbee every week, and bike to work most days. I apply this deodorant as frequently as I did the expensive-mysterious-ingredients kind, which is usually twice a day. No one has complained/noticed any change in my smell (and I've asked honest friends). And if you don't want a simply neutral (very subtly coconut) scent, you can add essential oils.
The best part? I made a half-batch, and it is still going strong. Costs pennies! Works like a charm! Is magic! Ok, not quite. There are two tiny things to be aware of, if you're intrigued by this idea. But they really are tiny.
Last month, I was running low on laundry detergent*, and started to research natural detergents/non-detergent laundry options. My brother made his own detergent in the winter (and he's the least hippie person I know!), but it seemed like too much work for me to find all those ingredients...
Then, at our neighbourhood street festival, I came across a vendor selling soap nuts. I'd heard of this somewhere along the line - a berry that acts a natural cleanser. The price was right, and the need was high. So I picked up a bag of berries, and have been popping a small cloth pouch of 4 berries into each load of laundry. Based on the cost of the bag ($10) and the # of loads per berry-batch (4 berries, 4 loads), and my rate of laundry (1 load/wk) I expect this bag will last me close to a year. AMAZING.
And my clothes are just as clean, just as soft - possibly softer - without any dryer sheets, chemicals, or complicated recipes.
Folks, I'm a content lady with these small shifts. I expect more will follow. And if that makes me a hippie, ok. I will wear that label and feel clean, healthy, and happy.
*ok, total lie. I'd run out of detergent and used Karen's for at least two loads...
I don't often blog about these things, because who wants to hear about my personal hygiene and cleanliness strategies? Also, when I read other posts about amazing DIY projects, I roll my eyes and scoff - nothing I make looks that pretty!
BUT, when I find something fantastic, I like to tell my friends. And I believe in living simply, minimizing processed/strange/chemical goods in my life, and saving money. SO. Read on, if you like, or skip over, if you prefer.
-
Last year, there was my natural-hair-care experiment. While I didn't stick to an all-natural, home-made products after it was over, I have made significant shifts. For one, I only wash (shampoo) my hair every 5-7 days (every 3 showers). On other shower-days, I "co-wash" - mix a small amount of baking soda with my conditioner, work it into my scalp, and rinse well. I also use a leave-in conditioner, and hardly use gel (although I may start that up again in the winter). Also, I'm making a conscious effort to purchase plant-based, natural & simple products. I just purchased handmade castor oil based shampoo/soap and am going to try that out this week...will keep you posted (if you let me know you want to hear).
This summer I've made two more shifts. Both I was a bit skeptical of, but willing to try, and definitely impressed.
-
Back in the winter, I saw a post on Facebook about someone's homemade deodorant. I rolled my eyes at their hippie-dom, until I noticed that not one but two husbands admitted in the comments that they also use this homemade deodorant, and that it is the best deodorant they've ever had.
Well. If farm boys were publicly admitting to and advocating for this hippie recipe, I supposed I could give it a chance...and I was running low on deodorant. So I asked for the instructions:
So simple. So easy. I switched over on June 1, and I haven't once looked back. I've even recruited a convert or two...
Try starting with 1/4 cup of either cornstarch or arrowroot flour and add in 1/4 baking soda. Then add in coconut oil until it's deodorant consistency, probably 6-8 tbls.
I play soccer and ultimate frisbee every week, and bike to work most days. I apply this deodorant as frequently as I did the expensive-mysterious-ingredients kind, which is usually twice a day. No one has complained/noticed any change in my smell (and I've asked honest friends). And if you don't want a simply neutral (very subtly coconut) scent, you can add essential oils.
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| This is the artsiest I can make my tiny Tupperware of deodorant look. Oooooh! |
- In the heat of summer (at the side of a sports field), this deodorant does melt & separate. I stir it with my finger to bring it all back together, and try to keep it out of the direct sun. Consider storing it in a jar or other container that seals well.
- If you choose not to re-use an old deodorant stick container, you probably will have to apply it with your fingers. (you only need a small amount, less than a dime) This may bother some people. Me, I like the smell of coconut oil on my hand.
Last month, I was running low on laundry detergent*, and started to research natural detergents/non-detergent laundry options. My brother made his own detergent in the winter (and he's the least hippie person I know!), but it seemed like too much work for me to find all those ingredients...
Then, at our neighbourhood street festival, I came across a vendor selling soap nuts. I'd heard of this somewhere along the line - a berry that acts a natural cleanser. The price was right, and the need was high. So I picked up a bag of berries, and have been popping a small cloth pouch of 4 berries into each load of laundry. Based on the cost of the bag ($10) and the # of loads per berry-batch (4 berries, 4 loads), and my rate of laundry (1 load/wk) I expect this bag will last me close to a year. AMAZING.
And my clothes are just as clean, just as soft - possibly softer - without any dryer sheets, chemicals, or complicated recipes.
Folks, I'm a content lady with these small shifts. I expect more will follow. And if that makes me a hippie, ok. I will wear that label and feel clean, healthy, and happy.
*ok, total lie. I'd run out of detergent and used Karen's for at least two loads...
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