Natural Homemade Holiday

I have always enjoyed making things and doing artsy-craftsy stuff. Ever since I can remember, I have had creative juices flowing through my veins. In the past, I would often make items to give as Christmas gifts. I have made hair barrettes, jewelry, storage containers, and photo albums. I have knitted scarves and throws. I have painted pictures and sewn zipper bags and books. And, it has been years since I have done this. So, this year I thought I would get back to my artistic roots—but in a little different way.

Ever since I found out about my “mystery” illness, I have done lots of research on what could be possible causes. In my research, and in my walk with Christ, I have come to my own personal conclusion that the more natural substances we can consume and come in contact with, the better. There are so many chemicals in what we eat and come into contact with each day, that are having very harmful effects on us. It is just not good.

God has created our bodies to be wonderfully complex. They have the power to heal themselves. If we just give our bodies the proper nutrition, the proper fuel, you can feel a difference. This is why I try my best to eat as many organic fruits and vegetables and grass-fed/natural proteins as I can. I limit my intake of anything processed. I am also working towards being completely gluten free and eating only natural sugars.

Most of the products we come in contact with, and use on a daily basis, are filled with harmful chemicals. I am talking about harmful chemicals that can be found in our water (fluoride for instance), food, plastics, furniture, cookware, cans, carpets, electronics, shower curtains, beauty products, and even home cleaning and body cleaning products. They are everywhere! (I warn you, don’t google it, unless you want to freak yourself out.)

When I first started reading up on this, I wanted to sell everything we own, buy some land in some remote part of Georgia, move, and figure out how to live off the land. Sadly, my hubby would never allow this! So, I am trying to do the next best thing—limit my contact and exposure to these chemicals as much as I possibly can. (A great resource is Suzanne Somers book Tox-Sick.)

So, how does one do this, you ask? And, what does this have to do with making Christmas presents?

Well, first, let me start by telling you that you can make your own cleaning and body products at home. Most of them are easy to make and are exponentially safer for you and your loved ones. Plus, in most cases, it is cheaper too! The majority of the all-natural ingredients you will need are probably already in your home: castile soap, baking soda, vinegar, witch hazel, raw honey, essential oils of your choice, and carrier oils of your choice. It is also good to have some washing soda and Himalayan sea salt handy.

Below I have a list of some of the most basic household items that we use day in and day out. These are all things you can make at home. I have included handy-dandy links from some great bloggers on how to make them.

These are the top 20 items I want to try and make soon. If you do research on Pinterest, you can find recipes for just about anything and everything. I am sure there are lots more than just these 20 items—but these will get you started.  (In alphabetical order)

1. Air Freshener (or poo spray – think Poo-Pourri but cheaper) – Try this recipe from Better Homes and Gardens ​or the Poo-Pourri version from Happy Money Saver​
2. Body Spray – Himalayan Sea Salt Body Spray from The Chic Site – or Homemade Aromatherapy Body Spray from Thank Your Body ​
3. Body Wash – Honey Body Wash from One Good Thing or Orange Almond Body Wash by Freebie Finding Mom
4. ​Bubble Bath – homemade bubble bath from DIYNatural
5. Daily Shower Cleaner – from One Good Thing ​
6. Deodorant – Primal Pit Paste Inspired from Six Figures Under or Coconut Lemongrass Deodorant from Diary of a Mad Crafter
7. Dish Soap – from Nature’s Nurture
8. Dishwashing Detergent – from Practical Stewardship
9. Dryer Sheets and Fabric Softener – from Living a Special Kind of Life ​
10. Dusting Spray – Lemon Fresh Herbal Dusting Spray from Natural Living Ideas ​
11. Exterior Window Wash – from Little Green Dot ​
12. General Purpose Household Cleaner – from Going Green ​
13. Glass Cleaner – from Redefined Mom ​
14. Hand Sanitizer – from Living Well Mom
15. Hand Soap – a nice creamy version from Body Unburdened
16. Laundry Detergent – Make the powder kind from Bren Did or the liquid kind from Pink Fortitude​
17. Shampoo – Coconut Milk Shampoo from One Good Thing
18. Soft Scrub Cleanser – from One Good Thing ​
19. Toilet Bowl Cleaner – from My Merry Messy Life or how about toilet cleaning bombs from Mom4Real? ​
20. ​Toothpaste – Detoxifying Coconut Oil Toothpaste from Butter for All or how about some Tooth Soap? This is a recipe from Artful Home Making

(Also, I would be remiss if I did not share with you about a company called Norwex. A friend of mine from high school introduced me to them. You can purchase wonderful, chemical free and all natural products from Norwex. My personal favorites, so far, are their EnviroCloths and kitchen towel and cloth sets. The EnviroCloths are great for cleaning just about every surface of your home. Check Norwex out by clicking here.)  ​

Now, on to the gifts. Buy your ingredients and some cute containers to put them in and get to work! Instead of making Christmas cookies this year, make some peppermint body wash or lavender laundry detergent! Trust me when I tell you, your body will thank you. And, so will everyone you give these special homemade gifts to. There is nothing quite like receiving something that was specifically created just for you.