It’s easy to crave less. Less to buy. Less to clean. Less to store. Less to chose from. Less to throw away. And we’re those people who get a rush from consolidating two items down to one or earning more space in the drawer/cabinet/closet by paring down, so this is our idea of a good time (why buy ten bottles to do ten things when one product can do it all?). Three years ago I wrote a post about how we try to keep things simple in small ways, so after more than a few requests for an update/extended list, here it is. Happily, three years after embarking on Project Simplify, we probably have fewer cleaning/grooming/hygiene products around the house than we did back then – even with a third person in the house to care for. The “magic products” that work for us are probably going to be different than the ones that work for you (so there’s no pressure to conform to organic stuff if that’s not your jam), but hopefully it helps to see how we try to keep things simple.
Back in 2009, John and I realized that we don’t mind using the same shampoo and conditioner (Avalon Organics from Target) and could also share the same body wash (we currently use Say Yes To Cucumbers, also from Target) so why not stop buying our own bottles – for a total of 6-7 containers in the shower at all times – and share? Purchasing a single bottle of each breaks the constant cycle of someone needing shampoo or conditioner every time we go to the store, and three bottles (total) in the shower at all times is pretty darn refreshing. We don’t have other bottles of shampoo/conditioner/body wash in the vanity or linen closet – this is it. When it gets low we get a new bottle. It’s nice and uncomplicated.
Thanks to a lot of our eco-related changes from a few years back, pairing down in a few other areas has gotten awesomely automatic. Relying only on Seventh Generation Free & Clear laundry detergent (without any fabric softener) makes shopping for laundry products few and far between (and makes storing a single bottle a breeze). We used to use Charlie’s Soap for diapers but alternated with Seventh Generation whenever we ran out, and eventually just stuck with Seventh Generation (diapers are still doing great and it’s easier to find and use one thing on everything across the board). We ran out of fabric softener a few years back and did some loads of laundry without it and didn’t even notice a difference, so we just stopped buying it.
We use this in the dishwasher. We have talked about making homemade laundry detergent and dish detergent too, but haven’t tried it out yet (we’ll blog all about it if we make the switch someday). We have some great recipes in this post of yore.
When it comes to cleaning everything else around the house, from floors to counters and tubs and tile, we use these two cleaners 99% of the time (along with the occasional homemade recipe from this post). No buying window cleaners and tile cleaners and wood floor cleaners each to do an individual job. We usually just water down some Mrs. Meyers (the “all purpose cleaner” label really means it works on counters, wood floors, etc) and use a moist microfiber cloth to rub down whatever it is that needs scrubbing (floors, counters, tabletops, windowsills, etc). For glass, I just use vinegar and water (5 parts water to 1 part white vinegar). Here’s a post with more of our cleaning routine broken down for ya.
We also water down our Dr Bronner’s soap (it recommends that on the bottle, which is awesome since it goes twice as far) and use it for all the hand-washing in the house (kitchen sink, bathrooms, etc). We do one part water to one part soap and it’s great. It’s also what I use to wash my face/remove makeup. It’s nice and mild. And we wash Burger with it. So it’s pup approved.
I think I got bitten by the simplicity bug back in NYC, when I lived in the tiniest studio, with no room for anything. Ladies (and gents?), I give you my makeup bag. I’m not proud of my $5 Chinatown bag from nine years ago (I can’t believe the zipper still works) but the point is that virtually 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 a suitcase. It actually lives in the car for the most part since John’s the driver and I get to “put on my face” as we go wherever we’re going (since I can never seem to get it together and do it at home).
It holds:
- Physician’s Formula Organic Wear bronzer/blush (from Target or CVS)
- Physician’s Formula Organic Wear two-toned eye make-up (from Target or CVS)
- Physician’s Formula Organic Wear concealer stick (from Target or CVS)
- Physician’s Formula Organic Wear mascara (from Target)
- An eyelash curler (from Sephora)
- A blush brush (from Sephora)
- One lone contact (just because I am known to lose them randomly)
I’ve used all of the above products exclusively for the past 2-3 years. And I love them. 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 me looking more polished. I’d never slap on make-up if it was too complicated or took too long – I’m just a wash and go girl (hence my ponytail tendencies). And now that I only use a few organic things, my skin is a lot better, and I find that I don’t amass a pile of new products (no more impulsive purple eye shadow or bubble gum pink lip gloss purchases that seemed like a good idea at the time).
As for what we do use in the name of hygiene, John has hair stuff (Crew from Target after he couldn’t find his favorite old stuff, Got2be – which we later learned got new packaging so it was hard to spot) and shaving cream and aftershave (Burt’s Bees). I actually just shave with a little bit of conditioner in the shower. We both use the same type of razor (we have two of them, mine is in the shower and John’s is in the drawer) so that buying refill blades is nice and simple (we don’t have to buy two types for two different razors). And we both use Tom’s of Maine deodorant and toothpaste (the kind with fluoride since we tried the fluoride free kind and both got cavities and then switched back and have had none for the past two years).
That’s about it when it comes to beauty/grooming products that we buy beyond shampoo, body wash, and conditioner (John’s not a cologne guy and I’m not a perfume girl). We also use sunscreen and lotion, but just try to buy one container and restock only when it runs out. We like Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Coconut Organic Lotion (from Target or Whole Foods) and Bullfrog Sunscreen SPF 30 (Target, CVS). We keep a tube of each of those in our travel bag under the sink and in our car’s middle console. I don’t even use face cream now that I use mild makeup and Dr Bronner’s soap (it doesn’t strip my face so it’s not dry and in need of lotion anymore – which used to make my sensitive skin break out anyway).
In high school I was kind of a slave to beauty products (you should have seen my stash – I probably had a million bottles) but since I no longer get home from school at three pm and play with my nails/hair/face for hours, this new “grown up busy mom” routine works for me. For the past three years I’ve actually not used hair spray, pommade, or perfume. This is definitely one of those to-each-his-own things, but I like the smell of my shampoo and body wash enough to be cool with that being “my scent” – and thanks to my ponytail propensity, there’s no need for any hair stuff beyond shampoo, conditioner, and a good old fashioned brush. It’s a look I like to call low-maintenance chic on a good day (and messy momma on a bad day).
One of the nicest things is that there are sections of magazines about makeup and perfume that I can gloss over entirely (in high school I was kind of an “ooh I want that!” kind of girl, which is probably why I had approximately 500 bottles and samples and cans of things on my vanity) so I can’t tell you how nice it is to not always want everything I read about. I just flip on by. Oh wait, but there’s nail polish.
I didn’t paint my nails or toes for a while just to keep it simple, but I do have occasional yearnings for a bright pop of color, so I do have a few polishes made by Zoya and Honeybee Gardens (they’re free of some of the fumier chemicals in some other brands). I have ten nail polish bottles total, which all fit into our freshly organized drawer. It’s nice to keep it to that number, so I won’t impulsively buy any more. I probably had 50+ bottles in high school, but now ten is the new number – no buying any more unless one runs out.
Oh and I love this stuff. It’s in my purse, a box next to my desk, on my night table and in the glove compartment of the car. You don’t want to see me when I can’t get my hands on lip balm. I’m a total baby. You’d think my lips were falling off or on fire or something. Seriously, it’s not pretty. So I learned that keeping one stick of it in four key places is the simplest solution for me. I never completely run out since I have a few stashed around the house, and because I have so many in rotation, they tend to last a while so I’m not always buying it a stick at a time.
Oh yes, but within the last three years we had a baby! So we must have amassed a ton of products for Clara, right? I mean we are pretty attached to the girl. But when it comes to keeping Clara moisturized, clean, diaper-rash-free, and sunburn free, instead of registering for twenty creams and lotions we decided to scan three things and take more of a wait-and-see approach. We knew we could always purchase more/different products once Clara came along (who knows if she’d have an allergy to something anyway) so we started with:
- California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo & Bodywash (for bathtime) from Target
- Badger Baby Sunscreen (for sun protection) from Whole Foods
- California Baby Calendula Cream (for face, body, diaper rash, cradle cap, eczema, dry skin, etc) from Target
That’s it. No baby powder, no face lotion and body lotion and diaper cream (just one that does it all), and no body soap that differs from hair soap. Just three basics. And miracle of all miracles, that’s still all we use! After almost two years. Seriously, those three products are our entire arsenal. So you can imagine that when it comes to storing them it’s no biggie (they all slip into the top drawer of her dresser except for the shampoo which we keep in the closet in her bathroom with the washcloths and towels). So we don’t have a big basket of products or a stockpile of extra bottles. Just those three things. And when they run out we get more. Just one more though, we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves. Haha. Who knows when things could change. But so far, so good. Off to knock on some wood…
By making an effort to covet less (and trying to focus on natural things or a small amount of items) 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. It feels like I’m gaining closet and cabinet space, more moolah in my wallet, and extra time that I can spend doing things other than restock various bottles. 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, I’d love to hear what works for you.
Update – Wanna know where we got something in our house or what paint colors we used? Just click on this button:
Lauren L says
I hear ya on the “not having too many products” front. It simplifies the routines and makes me grateful for what I have instead of constantly wanting more and more stuff. But how in the world does Tom’s deodorant work for you guys?!?! Isn’t it hot and humid out there in Richmond? My husband and I live in drier SoCal and that stuff does nothing for us but make our armpits feel slimy and stinky blech! Glad that stuff works for somebody…
YoungHouseLove says
I have no idea! Haha. We hear from some folks who love it and others who says it’s terrible! I think it’s one of those we’re-all-different-chemically things, or something. It’s a mystery!
xo,
s
lizaanne says
Lauren – I hear ya! I tried the Tom’s Lavender, and the slime factor is super high for me too, and the deodorant seems to fail at the worst possible time.
I’m in Michigan, so it seems to be a better option in the winter, but in the summer, forget it!!!
One of my good friends uses it and she loves it!!!
Go figure!! LOL
EngineerMom says
Ok, I’m definitely giving it a try! I’ve been searching for a good conditioner since I started growing my hair out a few years ago, but for some reason I’ve never tried that one.
YoungHouseLove says
Good luck!
xo,
s
Sarah says
I can’t help it, I’ve been wondering all week what those Zoya shades were and hoping someone else would ask first so I wouldn’t have to be the weirdo. Would you mind obliging me?
Thanks and love this post! I have a ton of makeup and I’m a Bath & Body Works junkie, but I’ve been thinking about paring down, or at least using things up for a change!
YoungHouseLove says
Those are (left to right) Carmen, Nina, and Kylie. Kylie is my favorite ever.
xo,
s
Sarah says
Ahh! The Burt’s Bees lipbalm.. I don’t know what I’d do without mine either.. I discovered it only last year, but I’m ashamed (maybe proud?!) to say I’ve not got 5 sticks of it in various places around the flat / my bag / coats!… The mint is my sure-fire favourite, but the Mango one is really yummy and smooth too (the honey one not so much). I’ve been meaning to get their hand lotions and things as well, as my lips didn’t get chapped at all using the balm this winter, and felt amazing! :)
Megan says
I’ve been all about simple living over the past couple of years, I always love your posts about this :). I love the physicians formula make up as well but our Target stopped carrying it last month – booo! It’s crazy how products can claim to be organic and natural and then come to find out they are totally not – we have a little one with really sensitive skin so we have had to be careful about which products we use..I’ll have to check into babyganics – thanks!
mp says
I alternate between Charlie’s Soap & Seventh Generation Free & Clear — I have to order Charlie’s online or drive to Farmville (30 miles) to pick up a bottle of Seventh. With six rescue chihuahuas, I have a very poo-intensive household, and both of those detergents do an excellent job of getting everything clean & odor-free. I also use generic Dollar General dryer sheets, mostly to prevent static, and DG lavender & chamomile hand soap. I use Finish or Cascade tablets for the dishwasher and Dawn for dishes. I do tend to stock up, as I live in the boonies and some of my preferred items often aren’t stocked in the local Food Lion (see laundry detergent above)
Kimberly says
Method makes dry sheets as well. I like them because they have no animal products, if you’re into that. They also last for two dryer cycles, as opposed to one.
Kim says
After reading your homemade cleaning post about a year ago, I decided to try mixing my own up. I love the smell of the peppermint Dr. Bronner’s soap, so I use that. I make my own multi-purpose cleaner to wipe down counters, etc; my own liquid dish soap; glass cleaner (vinegar and water) and even made dishwasher detergent (but need to buy the lemon flavor koolaid again to make this). Everything works great! And it saves so much money. We’ve also found that vinegar and baking soda will remove stains on carpet, are great for scrubbing mildew in tubs/tile and clear drains! I feel so much better knowing everything is natural too. I do still buy Seventh Generation laundry soap because we just got a high efficiency washer and I’m afraid of using homemade detergent in that. Thanks again for the posts!
Mary says
So you only wear makeup if you go somewhere? So all these pics of you around the house are without makeup? I’m so jealous of your natural beauty!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, sometimes I have makeup leftover from the night before because I’m too tired to wash my face. Haha. So it’s second day smudgies. So bad I know! Don’t tell my mom. She will call me and talk about how I have to wash my face every night for ten hours. I know mom! I try! Sometimes I’m just tired. Haha.
xo,
s
lizaanne says
For less than $1 each – I use these for washcloths for my face: http://www.amazon.com/Eurow-Microfiber-Premium-Cleaning-36-Pack/dp/tags-on-product/B0031B4YU2
Seriously – you get a super soft face cloth, and they are so cheap and you have so many, that you can use a clean one every couple days. I do need to wear a tiny bit more make up than you do you Sherry, so it’s necessary for healthy skin to make sure I’m using a clean cloth every day. The microfiber dries really quickly too, so in the summer heat, super wet washcloths don’t get skunky smelling.
Also – because I always have a great stack of them, I don’t mind grabbing one for a quick dust job in the living room or my office (no paper towels or Swiffers!!). It’s just dust, no biggie, so in the wash it goes,and then back in the pile for the bathroom. They wash up so well, hardly ever any stains remain.
Love the blog!
lizaanne
YoungHouseLove says
Love that tip!
xo
s
Lynn @ SafeBeauty says
I love you guys…you made me get to that one tear place like Denzel in that movie Glory (minus the slavery and all the whippings) or that Indian that cries in that pollution video from long ago. Haha! Loves it. I really like it when people put on their simple eye and realize how little they need to live a pretty rocking existence. I tell my guy that all the time and privately he’s all like “Boooooo….give me my high fructose corn syrup and any paraben you can get your hands on!” but publicly he’s all like “Yeah we(italics) are really health conscious and love natural stuff.” And then I give him the slitted eye “You’re gonna die by way of lightning striking you from above sir!” look. But I still love him. And you guys. Is it weird I said I love you? I’m second guessing this whole thing now…
My best, Lynn
YoungHouseLove says
Hahhahahha- that’s hilarious. I love that he acts “health conscious” when someone’s watching. Haha. And we totally love you too.
xo,
s
Liana says
You probably don’t have time to read all these comments, but we use Dr. Bronner’s baby soap (unscented), diluted, probably 1 to 3 on our 4 year old son for shampoo and soap. It’s great, and so economical! We also use Dr. Bronner’s for our handsoap needs and for my face also – the baby stuff in the bathroom and one of the “scented” ones for the kitchen.
YoungHouseLove says
Love that tip! I was just thinking about trying that instead of BabyGanics since it’s already in our house!
xo,
s
Caitlin @ Hardly Housewives says
I love when you do posts like this! I make my own detergent and I love knowing exactly what is in it (not to mention how INCREDIBLY inexpensive it is)…
Here’s how I do it:
http://www.hardlyhousewives.com/2012/04/make-your-own-laundry-soap.html
YoungHouseLove says
Love it! Thanks for the link Caitlin!
xo,
s
maribel says
What products do you use when clara is under the weather…also what do you use. For my guy nearing 4 we used saline drops and eucaliptus? Oil. Just recently my doctor recommended over the counter cold syrups in tiny dosages.
YoungHouseLove says
Love those tips! We actually just use that booger sucker (I’m sure there’s a better name for that) and give her lots of fluids and run the humidifier in her room as she sleeps. Admittedly we have been really lucky with her (never had the flu or a virus, just small colds here and there- and now I’m off to knock on wood) so I’m sure eucaliptus oil and saline will come in handy at some point!
xo,
s
Penny says
Technically that’s a nasal aspirator or a bulb syringe, but I think booger sucker is a far better name, haha. We’ve never tried eucalyptus oil with our kids but those over the counter saline sprays are very helpful!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that sounds much better! Less graphic.
xo,
s
Seina says
I thought you mentioned in March, shortly after you got back from HI that you (Sherry)and Clara were down with the flu?
YoungHouseLove says
That’s true! I completely forgot about that! Although Clara never got a fever and wasn’t medicated (I did and I was) haha, so I think after we got through it we just looked at that like a cold since we put on the humidifier and she slept and ate normally- just had some clear snot (sorry, very graphic there).
xo,
s
Jess @ Crunchy Hot Mama says
OMG! I just discovered the Snotsucker and love that thing! I can’t believe it took me a year and a half to find, but I am never going back. It’s a MUST for all my mama friends especially so they don’t have to go through that brain-scraping trauma with their little one.
I loved it so much that I wrote a post about it:
http://crunchyhotmama.com/2012/02/23/the-snotsucker/
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I love it!
xo,
s
Bethany says
hey guys! great post! way to keep it simple. and bt dubs, used to watch “the simple life” religiously. So the reference was not lost on me! :O)
if you are ever traveling, would love to see your thoughts on traveling with less stuff. I think it is so relevent (hello, checked baggage fees!) and I bet you guys tackle it with your usual awesomeness! Whoot!
also….. please remember Chicago on your book tour! seriously, me and my friends are gonna take offa work and road trip it up there if you are able to squeeze it in! We’ll do “today” style signs, t-shirts… whatever it takes!
Bethany
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Bethany! I do think Chicago will definitely be one of our cities! We’ll share more schedule deets when we know something. Hope to see you there!
xo,
s
Artie says
Hi YHL,
I almost had a heart attack this morning when I read that the hair product go2b would apparently be off the shelves. Fortunately, I have some great news from the manufacturer, which I received this afternoon via a correspondence with their staff on Facebook. Here’s the response:
Hi. Young House Love, which is a US based home decorating blog says you have discontinued one of my wife’s and my favorite hair product: Got2b in Play Sculpting Paste. Is this true? Please, it’s the first hair product my wife and I use together. Response requested.
göt2b
2 hours ago
göt2b
Thanks so much for reaching out. We’re happy to say that this information is incorrect. The product has undergone a package redesign, which may have been the source of the confusion. Check out the new look here: http://on.fb.me/KqOD8X and check out our Store Locator to find it: http://bit.ly/findgot2b
Thanks of being a loyal göt2b customer!
Xx the göt2b team
YoungHouseLove says
Hahaha- thanks for the heads up! That’s what someone else said this morning too! I guess John just didn’t see the same old packaging and panicked! Haha.
xo,
s
Mary says
Loved your post, I have been wanting to try natural deodorant but was unsure if it would work as good, but I guess I’ll have to give it a try. I have 19 month old twins and we love the yes to carrots baby brand of soap, you should give it a try once your out of the California baby.
YoungHouseLove says
So glad to hear you love it! We’ll have to try it out!
xo,
s
Beth C says
Buying organic is important to me, but what’s even more important is buying products that aren’t tested on animals. Luckily, organic and cruelty-free usually go hand in hand!
Jen says
What do you use to clean your shower/toilets? I’d love to cut down on products!
YoungHouseLove says
Just some Mrs Meyers (scrubbed on with a washcloth in the shower and squirted into the toilet and brushed around and then left to sit and later flushed).
xo,
s
Earth Friendly Products says
Hey Sherry,
Have you ever heard of or tried Earth Friendly Products? I am an avid reader of your blog, and the green chemist for EFP’s NW division in Washington. We make 100% natural cleaning based products, and are family owned and operated since 1989. We make the #1 selling green laundry detergent in the world, ECOS (along with a full household cleaning line). We also are the only primary manufacturer of green household cleaning products in the US. (we make it ourselves, in our own factories, and never contract it out). We also make every cleaning item for Trader Joe’s private label. I would love to send you a sample of our free&clear ECOS. My sister loves it for her cloth diapers, and it has a built in coconut based softener. We would also love to do a give away one week!
Cheers and happy cleaning,
Jenna
YoungHouseLove says
I’m ashamed that I’ve never heard of it! I’ll have to check it out asap! Thanks for the tip Jenna!
xo,
s
Chelsea in Richmond says
Oh Wow! Your products are great! Sherry- they are in Whole Foods so you’ve probably passed the label without realizing it :-)
I didn’t know you guys did the TJ brand cleaners! I love their mutli-purpose cleaner!
YoungHouseLove says
I’m an airhead! I bet I’ve totally walked right by them!
xo,
s
Kristan says
I tried ECOS years ago and now it’s the only detergent I use. Love it!
Carli says
I too am obsessed with Burt’s Bees lip balm… I have it stashed in bags and all over my house. It’s a pretty serious relationship!
Leah @ JustPluckingDaisies says
I love this simple approach. I do the same thing! In regards to California Baby’s changes, have you heard of Shaklee products? They make a Shakleebaby line that has babywash (for face, hair, and body) that is super, super natural and high quality. There’s a matching lotion as well that primarily uses coconut oil. They’re awesome, they’re all I have for my baby and it’s all we need! Plus the bottles are super concentrated so the baby wash lasts for 8+ months and the lotion for a year or so, depending on how much you need to use!
YoungHouseLove says
I’ve heard such great things about them! Will have to check it out!
xo,
s
Ely says
I really, really love your blog. I became a mom as of January 2012 and I find myself only using 5 items for my makeup routine and that is only when I have to leave the apartment. I just don’t have time to put a full face of makeup anymore and I honestly I don’t miss it at all. I would like to simplify everything else in our lives since having a baby definitely changes things, in a very good way though. Your post inspires me.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Ely. Congrats on the January bambino!
xo,
s
SW says
Great post – thanks! I’ve made the switch to mostly natural products in the last couple years. A few tips I’ve learned:
*Trader Joe’s sells their own brand of castille soap and it’s a lot cheaper than Dr Bronners. We use this for everything! I got a few foaming soap bottles and refill them (1/3 soap to 2/3 water) for hand washing at every sink and body washing in the shower.
*The 7th Generation laundry detergent irritates my son’s skin as much as more main-stream detergents. So I use BioKleen’s Free and Clear. I also LOVE their Bac-Out for stains and odors. http://biokleenhome.com/products/household/laundry
*Hydrogen Peroxide is also fabulous – and removes blood stains like they never existed!
*I tried Tom’s deodorant too and was disappointed. I finally landed on Crystal deodorant and am very happy. They even sell a small travel size.
YoungHouseLove says
Love all the tips everyone! Thanks for sharing them!
xo,
s
Jenny says
I purchase a lot of products on bulk: cheapest toilet paper from Sams club is POM and Ecos laundry detergent. For fabric softener I use regular white vinegar, it softens the clothes and cleans your washer at the same time! it does not leave any smell on the clothes.
I’m planning on making more of my own products soon: dish detergent, laundry soap and cleaning supplies with white vinegar and baking soda. FYI on the dish detergent the thing that keeps the film from building up is Citric acid (or lemi-shine).
Here’s some links that might help:
http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/homemade-solutions
http://rebekahpinchback.blogspot.com/2010/02/homemade-laundry-detergent.html
http://www.diynatural.com/homemade-dishwasher-detergent-soap/
I try to buy as much as possible in bulk due to not having to run out to the store over and over.
Here is a little tip to you help you consider the cost of toilet paper:
Calculating the Best Price for Toilet Paper
Sun, 01/31/2010 – 21:58 — johnk
Bathroom tissue is expensive, and everyone needs to pinch their pennies. Cell phone calculators don’t have enough precision to calculate the per-unit cost of toilet paper. They also lack parentheses to do some necessary grouping to calculate:
PRICE / ( SHEETS PER ROLL x ROLLS )
Solution is below the fold.
To get around this, do this:
PRICE x 100 / SHEETS / ROLLS
Where PRICE x 100 is just the price without the decimal point before the “cents” portion. So, if the package costs $16.99, you enter “1699”.
If there are 36 rolls and 350 sheets per roll, you enter “1699 / 36 / 350” and click “=”. Again, that’s:
1699 / 36 / 350
YoungHouseLove says
So many great tips! Thanks!
xo,
s
Kristi says
I love that you use Badger products! I actually work with a lady who is one of the daughters of the family. Right in Charlottesville. If you ever need bug spay, theirs is awesome. Another coworker has a toddler who is allergic to Mosquitos, and this completely repells all bugs allowing him outside time.
YoungHouseLove says
So good to know about Badget bug spray!
xo,
s
Chelsea in Richmond says
It sounds like you have fallen off the coupon bandwagon since you are without a stockpile. I got into couponing about the same time last year that you did and have kind of fallen off that bandwagon too. I found myself buying a lot of unhealthy foods and beauty products that I would have never purchased in the past just for the sake of the sale. I’ve decided that the cheapest way to clean my house is to make my own, after I run out of all the stuff I’ve already purchased of course.
Like you guys, our health very important to us and we try to stay away from chemicals and processed ingredients. That wasn’t happening when I was couponing so I am starting to get back to the basics.
I’ve heard great things about Dr. Bronners from other people too so I need to give that a try! Thanks for the post :-)
YoungHouseLove says
I’m totally still on the coupon bandwagon but I really try to stick to the “only buy what we would buy anyway without a coupon” rule! They just don’t have coupons for a lot of our personal care stuff usually (when they do I buy things like our razors on sale though! I just don’t ever see our shampoo of sunscreen ever on sale). Sometimes I’ll get a $1 off any Burt’s Bees product coupon that expires two months later so I just wait to see what I need (ex: more lip balm) and get it when I do (it’s usually within the two month period so all is right with the world). Oh and Zoya has great sales/promos by liking them on Facebook (like free nail polish and you just pay shipping) but I only do it if I’m not at my cap of ten bottles, haha).
xo,
s
Andrea says
Love love love this post. Soooo important to read ingredients on food and products we use. Our Grandparents did not need separate cleaners for their benchtops, bathroom, sink, tiles, fridge etc! And especially love Dr. Bronner’s – an outstanding, ethical, family run company with products that have ingredients you could eat. :) Nice one you guys.
Amanda says
I LOVE Burts Bees lip balm! I’ve also been using coconut oil for about a year as an all over lotion/moisturizer and as a makeup remover. I was afraid it would give me problems with acne but it seems to actually help, as long as i go light when using it on my face. I’ve been using the same 15 oz. jar for about a year and i am just now almost out. It’s amazing.
Also, i just started using homemade laundry detergent a few weeks ago. I was afraid it wouldn’t work well (especially in cold water) since it’s powered rather than liquid but I’ve been really happy with it so far. I haven’t used it on cloth diapers yet, though. I’m excited to see how well it works on baby poo. It’s 1 part washing soda, 1 part borax, and 1 part grated soap (i used fels naptha). It’s easier/faster to put the soap in the food processor but a cheese grater works too. I don’t know how water hardness would affect the wash. Maybe talk to people in your area that use homemade to see what mixture works best for them. We’re on a military base so i think the water is soft but i honestly don’t know how to tell the difference between hard and soft water.
YoungHouseLove says
Love it! I have no idea what the difference between hard and soft water is either. John says our water isn’t hard so I trust him, but I have no clue. Haha.
xo,
s
Eileen says
Many of my friends make their own laundry detergent and I think most of us have slightly different mixes, I suppose either because of water hardness or our machine type. I have a top loader and hard water and the best mix for my laundry is: 1 soap bar to 1 c. washing soda, to 1/2 c. borax. I make 2 batches (shredding it w/ my food processor), store it in an Ikea jar, and it lasts me months. I’ve heard that powdered soaps are better for cutting through hard water too, and I’ve experienced that with both laundry and dishwasher detergents. You can also make your own liquid detergent which just has you melt down the bar soap in water, mix the other ingredients and water it down with 5 gallons of water (you can even add some essential oils for scent if you’d like). My friends who have HE washers love it, and store it in old detergent containers they previously bought. It’s great once you find your mix, but you might need to try a few ratios to find what works best for you.
YoungHouseLove says
Great tips Eileen! Thanks everyone for their tips today- it has been awesome!
xo,
s
windylou says
dude. homemade powder laundry soap is the easiest thing ever. Super cheap to make, the recipe I use only calls for 1 TBS for a large/very dirty load. It’s mild enough suds wise to use in an H/E machine. Since I save so much moolah on detergent and fabric softener, I splurge on fancy handmade soap or spendier stuff like Dr. Bronners to grate into the mix. My husband even made the last batch (he likes it that much!)
The recipe I use is even 11 yr old sports fanatic boy-proof. His uniforms and grimy boy clothes come out clean. Yes, even grass stains and mud. (we do have to sprinkle a little detergent right on the spots and scrub sometimes, but still!)
My recipe calls for washing powder, borax and grated soap in equal parts, but I also add baking soda.
YoungHouseLove says
Love the tips everyone! Thanks again for sharing!
xo,
s
Kristan says
I think growing up with my mother’s insane collection of products scared me the other way. I love vinegar to clean everything, just had to get over the smell reminding me of dyeing Easter eggs. I use it in the rinse cycle to neutralize soap residue. Side note on the Tom’s of Maine – I didn’t like it after they reformulated and there’s sodium lauryl sulfate in it. That stuff freaks me out. I now use Trader Joe’s, love it, and it’s cheaper!
Stephanie says
So, I scrolled through all the comments and I don’t think you’ve answered this yet: Why do you not use Dr. Bronner’s for the house stuff too? Is there a big difference between that and Mrs. Meyer’s? Just wondering, as I’ve never tried Mrs. Meyer’s.
Thanks for the awesome post. Definitely inspiring. Also, note to self to finish the Happiness Project. Started, but I sort of fizzled out. More like, I got derailed after reading the 1st chapter because I wanted to clean/organize everything in my house.
YoungHouseLove says
It’s hard to explain, but Mrs Meyers is a bit more house-cleany-ish to us (Dr. Bronners is so mild and skin-related to us that we wonder if it would clean our toilet as well if that makes sense). I’m sure it could, we just have had luck using it on our bodies and things we eat off of (like pots and pans) while we save Mrs Meyers for floors and bathroom tile and toilets!
xo,
s
AnnMarie says
So addicted to Burt’s lip balm and do the same thing – major freak out if one is not around at all times! haha But I recently started going a bit nutso with researching …checking out EVERYTHING’s organic integrity and sad to learn that what I thought was …really is not truly organic :-(
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_17306.cfm
My bubble was certainly popped! We still have so much Burts, Toms, etc. and certainly don’t plan to just trash it. womp womp, what to do?!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, I heard they got acquired but all the formulas remain the same! Which is less than other companies that got acquired (and some that didn’t but just changed things to be sneaky) can say! I’m so glad they didn’t pour bleach into things or anything- it’s still the same recipes/ingredients. Although it’s definitely sad that it’s not a sweet down-home company that grew and took over the world (which is totally what they deserve!).
xo,
s
Jeanine says
I seriously need to do some paring down in my house. My husband and I each have our own soaps, shampoos, shaving cream, etc. And don’t get me started on my make-up. My cabinet looks like the cosmetics counter at Macy’s.
I’m totally with you on the chapstick “problem.” I have one hidden in each room of my house, my purse, my car, and the hubby’s car. And just like you, you don’t want to me around me when I need chapstick. I don’t know it is, but I seriously think it’s an addiction! haha Hi, I’m Jeanine & I’m addicted to chapstick.
Kacy says
Inspiring post, thanks!
Shannon says
You should look into Norwex products. No cleaning supplies needed, just micro-anti-bicrobrial cloths and water. They have kitchen, bath, general cleaning, and personal hygiene products. AMAZING.
http://www.norwexproducts.com/
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks! We’ve heard awesome things about it!
xo,
s
Tara says
I think it’s time for you to visit Etsy and splurge on a new makeup bag :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I love that idea!
xo,
s
Tiffany says
Never thought to use the doctor bronners as hands soap too. I’m on it, that’s for the tip!
Kim says
For diaper rash, use lotrimin-it’s the stuff you put on athlete’s foot, because it’s the same fungus. Someone mentioned neosporin, so I thought I’d mention this tip, too.
Tricia says
Only read through some of the comments, but I’ve been researching baby products since we are expecting our first this year. BabyGanics seems to have a lot of junk in it after I looked up quite a few of the ingredients. I received a cute gift with Mambino products in it for me and I love them. Their baby products look like a good, natural, organic option so I may give them a try. They are sold on Amazon too. http://www.mambinoorganics.com/products/p2011-0033.htm?cat=products&sub=babybathtime I’d love to hear about other good options that don’t have all the junk in it!
Best stainless steel cleaner for appliances by far… Hope’s Perfect Stainless polish. Available for about $6 at Bed Bath and Beyond. I tried so many and it was the only one that worked for me.
YoungHouseLove says
Great tips Tricia!
xo,
s
lynn says
I’m all for simplicity but I crave a little variety. I rarely buy any of the same beauty product twice in a row. Especially shampoo, and deodorant. I don’t like smelling the same scent for too long. I use it until it is gone and try something different the next time. I’m not even that devoted to a face wash or cream. I switch those up too. Food… now that I am more particular about and repeatedly buy favorites and specific brands week after week, but beauty stuff I like to switch it up.
Amy says
This week’s posts are SO inspirational! I’m currently in the process of packing my tiny 308 sq ft college apartment to prepare for graduation and moving. Your keeping it simple mantra is with me as I get rid of the clutter!
Can’t wait to read tomorrow’s post!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Amy! You guys are so sweet!
xo,
s
caitlin says
I LOVE this baby wash for our little girl who is just a couple months older than yours. http://www.jenuinelypure.com/products/Baby-Wash.html It smells pretty (we have lavendar) and her hair is SO much easier to brush out than when we used CA Baby.
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds awesome! Thanks Caitlin!
xo,
s
Jessie says
I’m not so great at paring down in terms of products, but try my best where I can.
Love your list!
If you want to simplify a tiny bit more, you can scrap the vinegar + water solution for window/glass cleaning, and go with just water and newspaper. Just spray the glass with water, and wipe dry with a balled up piece of newspaper (I usually use some circular that went directly into the recycling bin anyway). No streaks! No odor! No mixing! Of course, if you dig the vinegar for some specific reason, then by all means, stick with it :)
YoungHouseLove says
Great tip Jessie!
xo,
s
deena says
There is currently a documentary on Netflix right now about Dr. Bronner. Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soapbox. I recommend it, extremely fascinating so far.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the suggestion Deena!
xo,
s
Jessie says
Also, best stain remover… ever: distilled white vinegar!
I keep a spray bottle in the laundry room and spray directly on stains before washing. Also use it for all carpet stains. Just spray and scrub with a rag. We have cats, dogs, and people, so having an easy and non-toxic carpet spot cleaner is awesome!
Another tip: the vinegar smell comes out of clothes in the wash, but for the carpet, I also keep a small spray bottle of cheap vodka around. Spray vinegar first, then vodka, then scrub with rag. The vodka neutralizes the vinegar odor.
YoungHouseLove says
So many great tips! Thanks everyone!
xo,
s
Tiffany says
Thanks for the post! I buy all natural things for my child, but have only slowly started for me and my husband.
I really like “Little Twig” for washing my little one (natural and organic). I also love Grovia Magic Stick (all natural). Great for diaper rash, eczema etc… and it’s in a tube like a glue stick so it never gets on my hands. (Actually have a separate one for the babe’s bum). But they’ve both lasted over a year with lots left.
Adrienne says
Hiya! Yay for simple beauty products and the like. I’m right there with you. I wanted to let you know about this great book I stumbled across. It’s “Green Up Your Clean Up” by Jill Potvin Schoff. I found it at the library and kept referring to it, so I ended up buying it. She does a good job going through the whole house and indicating how to make clean spaces in an environmentally and human friendly way, as well as what materials and appliances are greener. She covers everything from washing decks to cleaning out drains. I think y’all would like it!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, I love that book! I got it from the library too!
xo
s
Audrey says
I LOVE Dr. Bronner’s – for everything, all the time. Easy indulgence: lavender-scented Dr. Bronner’s with Epsom salt is pure luxury. I know you guys aren’t bath people, but it’s a weird use I never thought of (who takes baths?) until I was super sick one day and read the Dr. Bronner’s bottle. A bath sounded good, so a bath I took. It’s been love ever since and made me into a bath person (without adding any new products to my house!).
Melani says
I hate to bother you, but you get tons of comments these days (woohoo for you) and I have been reading them trying to make sure I don’t ask you if someone else has, but I am running out of computer time and just have to know…what is this about California Baby not being so natural with the new blends? That is all we use on our kidos but I have no heard about this. And just fyi, after seeing all these people love this Everyday Shea now I am dieing to try it! I need to hurry up and run out of something so I can buy it!
YoungHouseLove says
Someone named Ted shared a link if you scroll back! Apparently they added a few less than pure ingredients and then tried to say they didn’t and then finally admitted it and changed the packaging and people were really upset!
xo,
s
Lisa says
Great list! I haven’t read all of the comments, but I just wanted to add that I tried Badger sunscreen for my kiddos and found it to be so oily. I switched to the also-very-natural Goddess Garden for all of us and I loooooooove it. It even comes in spray form for my toddlers, which is wonderful. Just a suggestion if you were ever bothered by the oiliness and looking for an alternative :)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Lisa!
xo,
s