As we start to decorate our home for the holidays, I’m trying to be mindful of the products we choose to use and display. There are so many whimsical (and cheap) plastic holiday decorations in the stores, it’s easy to get caught up in buying them. This year I’m trying to keep our holiday design space simple and healthy. For us, that means no toxic smelling candles, no synthetic fragranced lotions and excess plastic decorations. This year it will be a lot more glass, fresh pine boughs and cranberry filled vases.

As a mom, and the shopper in our house, I am responsible for creating a healthy home. I try to educate myself by learning which ingredients to watch out for, and which products might pollute the air in our home. With two little ones in the house, I want to make sure the air we breathe is as clean as can be. Did you know many laundry and dishwasher detergent release fumes into the air that can create a toxic environment for your family? Once you start learning about this stuff, it’s really hard to go back.

I recently tested out The Honest Company line of products and they fill my need to buy green products for our family without breaking the bank.  There are so many questionable ingredients from the brands we grew up with and trust. We are lucky to have new companies join the movement to offer a healthier choice for our kids. Jessica Alba started The Honest Company once she became a mom and questioned some of the ingredients commonly found in kid’s products. She did something about it and created options that are safe, but also work. I’ve tried so many green products over the years and there is nothing more frustrating than realizing the item you spent extra money for doesn’t even work. No one of the “green” mindset wants to be wasteful. I want the products in my home to be effective, but hopefully pretty!

Madison loved her special body wash!

I make a lot of exceptions for other things around the holidays, like more TV time to watch holiday favorites and loads more sweets than usual.  At least if I can keep our environment at home less toxic, that will give us all a head start on staying healthy this holiday season.

The Honest Company was started by a mom and a dad who, like many modern parents, were increasingly worried about products made with questionable chemical ingredients. But the alternatives they found were often expensive, inaccessible, bland, or ineffective. In response to this clear need for something better, they created The Honest Company to ensure that parents (or anyone for that matter!) could easily find natural and non-toxic eco-friendly products that are beautiful, effective, and affordable. From customized product bundles to diapers and wipes to an ever-expanding line of cleaning and personal care products, you can find everything you need at Honest.com and have it delivered directly to your front door.
Give it a try! Click here to become a member of The Honest Company community and start your free trial today.

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Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of The Honest Company. The opinions and text are my own.

Ready for a no-waste lunch! How cute are these lunch boxes for kids. They were not this cute when I was little.  Best part, they are all eco-friendly.  Which one is your favorite?
Eco Friendly Lunch Boxes for Kids

I have been testing out a new product called De Odor Works as an alternative to commercial deodorant/antiperspirant. I’m sure many of you have heard at some point there is some possible link to the aluminum in deodorants and breast cancer.  While I believe that has not been completely proven, I like the idea of using a more natural product.  Plus, so many of the deodorants on the market are not easily recycled. I already keep a small stainless steel bar near my kitchen sink because it’s one of the only things to get rid of the smell of lobster off my hands. I never thought it would work for other body odors…

De Odor Works is a stainless steel bar I used in the shower for 30 seconds under each arm to eliminate odors caused by bacteria. The bar itself is easy to handle, even under the running water.  It’s light weight, but made a racket when I knocked it off its shelf in the shower!  I tested this product for two weeks and I decided I’m going to keep using it.  Here’s why:

1. It really did keep odors away, even after taking a long walk in hot weather.
2. My white shirts didn’t turn yellow, which they always do from regular deodorants.
3. My underarms are smoother now since my pores are no longer blocked from regular deodorant use.
4. In case I forget to put deodorant on in my haste to get out the door in the morning, I’m covered!
5. I have tried the all natural salt deodorants before, but was never happy with the application of it.

One note, this product is not an antiperspirant, not does it claim to be.  When going to a hot yoga class, use some back-up protection!  I just felt a little too “au naturale” after sweating for 90 minutes.

If you are interested in this great product, you can purchase it at Amazon
The bar is $29.95 (plus shipping) and may be the last time you need to purchase a deodorant. The company also offers a refund if you are not happy with your product.  Happy shopping!

Disclosure: De Odor works provided me with a sample for review, however, the opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. No compensation was received for this review.