Natural Living

Wow, isn’t it amazing how fast money seems to go these days, especially when you have kids?  Our family is currently watching our pennies very closely, and sometimes it seems like the effort to save money is another part-time...

I find as a mother, or maybe just as a woman, I tend to overanalyze, over plan, over think...  I compare myself to others who appear (via their social media updates and pictures) to have lives that are easier, more exciting,...

There are so many pros to breastfeeding. "Breast is Best!" is constantly spread around in birthing classes, hospitals, doctor's offices, magazines, books and in moms groups all over the world. It's an amazing tool to set your baby up...

Summer is practically upon us here in the Valley of the Sun.  Do you know what that means?!  It means swimming, traveling, hiking, exploring, camping, you name it!  I am super excited about the adventures that await us this...

Today we have a simple DIY from local AZ mom + photographer Jessica Flecky of Flecky Fotography. As you can see here, Jessica offers up a easy + awesome DIY that any of us moms can do! Take the time to...

When I was young, I was the world's worst eater. Seriously. Think having a Pepsi a few times a day (being 6 years old!), endless bags of chips, candy, and one too many Happy Meals! After so many years...

2009.  That year was a turning point for our family. It started with backyard chickens. You would think that taking on backyard chickens would be something that comes later in a real food journey. Nope, not for me. I...

Scorpions, ugh. The scum of the earth! These nasty little boogers blend into pretty much any brown you have in your house, and exist wherever there is a mountain, dirt, or trees. They can climb walls, they come out...

These homemade lotion bars are easy to make with as little as three ingredients and work great on dry skin; especially dry, cracked heals.  They are perfect for our sandal weather that we'll be having for the next many...

Valentine's Day is approaching and we are neck-deep in the candy-laden holidays that began way back on Halloween. While your kids might have visions of chalky conversation hearts dancing in their heads, I want to chat about a sweet...

Summer time cooking in Phoenix is tricky.  It's hot, like really hot, and the idea of even turning on the oven literally makes me want to just eat cold cereal until September. Lately, I have gotten really into cooking...

I'll be honest, when I first pondered the idea of placenta encapsulation, I was thoroughly grossed out. I mean, eating your own insides... is that really a thing?! Since I’m a registered nurse, I was bothered that there wasn’t a...

A mother's job is to protect right? To protect our kids, give them the best chances at a future, and make sure they are happy and healthy.  Well, not to be a Debbie Downer, but with the way the...

Who says you can't garden in the desert? I planted my first fall garden in Phoenix in 2011. I honestly didn't do much research, just went to a local nursery, picked up some small plants according to what sounded...

What MOM is going to say no to an organic skincare mask? Relaxing, hydrating, calming, anti-aging. Hello, all the things I want at the end of my day! Here is a quick all natural DIY pumpkin mask with only...

Every year we try and think of a thoughtful, yet inexpensive gift to get all the people in our lives like teachers, dance instructors, neighbors, and friends. The list is usually long, so we've learned that if we make...

  When it comes to childbirth, one thing that we can all agree on, is that it is an intensely personal experience (in more ways than one). Additionally, we all know that there is absolutely no way to anticipate the...

Growing up in Western Pennsylvania, my family like most families who "lived in the country" had a garden. The garden was about an acre right in our front yard. It was a ton of work, but definitely rewarding. I...

Recently I broke free from the Arizona heat and made the trip to to the west coast to lounge on the beach. (More like stop my daughter from eating every grain of sand on the shore.) The beach can...

A couple years back, someone on Facebook asked for ideas for healthy alternatives to an annual ‘popsicle' party at her child's school. The comment storm that ensued was quite crazy...   It is just a popsicle.  Back off."   Readers suggesting that...

Summer is here and in full swing...heat and even quite a bit of humidity lately for us Phoenicians.  The sun, heat, humidity, and chlorine that this time of year brings can leave your hair not looking its best.  I...

I'm honestly not a huge makeup person, but recently I have become a fan of adding and changing my lipstick or gloss. A pop of color on the lips can really change your look, and it's about the most...

Happy World Breastfeeding Week! I love this week long celebration focused on protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding moms throughout the world. I realize that breastfeeding is not for everyone, whether by choice or by circumstance, but for me,  personally,...

Summer is coming quickly! (Yay - for family time, vacations, and relaxation!  Ugh - for hot sweatiness!) The thing on my mind lately has been how to get a healthy glow.  I like the look of a tan for...

I began my transition to “homemade life” several years back, but it’s taken me quite awhile to attempt the deodorant. I switched to all natural deodorant years ago, but was never satisfied. I tried lots of brands (Toms, Jasons,...