Natural Products I’m Loving Now: Spring Edition

Each season I highlight the natural products I am using and loving in my home.  From products I use in the kitchen, for cleaning, to personal care, these are the things that help me keep my life as toxin-free as possible!

Creating the most natural, toxin-free life possible is a journey.  It’s not something that happens overnight, so if you are just starting on this path, be patient with yourself and know that every little step you take can make a difference in your family’s life.  It doesn’t have to be all or nothing!  I remember when I first started on this journey, I got really frustrated when I’d spend a lot of money on a natural product that didn’t work or I was less than happy with.  That’s when I decided to share the products I’ve discovered and love that are natural.  I hope this takes some of the guesswork out of finding reliable natural products for your home and personal care.  I hope you find something useful in this spring edition!
Artisan Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat Set

 

I’m sure you’ve all heard of the Silpat silicone baking mat that nearly every food blogger on earth uses.  Apparently I’m a cheap food blogger, because I could never get myself to cough up $20-30 for one baking mat.  I just stuck to using parchment paper when I didn’t want something to stick and didn’t want to grease the pan.  Then I saw this Artisan brand silicone baking mat set for $16.  That’s right, you get two of the same sized baking mats for even less than one Silpat!  I have been using and loving these mats.  They’re great for baking healthy cookies–no need to add any oil or butter to the pan and nothing sticks!  You can also roast vegetables or just about anything you want on these silicone baking mats.  I have loved them;  they work well and they are a great value.  They also are helping me use less parchment paper, which lines up with my goal of using less paper in the kitchen.
Bring It Valencia Reusable Produce Bags

 

I was first prompted by Lindsay at the blog Tomato Boots to purchase these reusable produce bags.  Her philosophy on simple living is very inspiring! I decided to focus on less waste and got these reusable produce bags to bring to the grocery store with me.  Not only am I wasting less plastic bags, but I am keeping our fresh produce from touching the plastic bags, as well.  I did some research and found these Bring It Valencia bags to be the best value.  You get ten large bags for $15.00.  Sometimes ten bags isn’t enough, but it usually is.  There is a set of ten small bags for $12.00 that I may purchase down the line, but for now I’m good with the ten large bags.  The biggest problem is remembering to pack these back in my reusable grocery bags after I unload the groceries!  There have been a few times when I am at the grocery store and remember the bags are still in the pantry.  Like anything else, I know over time that will become second nature.  I’ve been using these since February, so I’d say I’m doing pretty well in that I’ve only forgotten them  few times.

 

Naturepedic Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Pad

 

When I first read about all the chemicals in our mattresses, I was appalled!  Then, when I saw the price of organic mattresses, I was even more appalled! Who can afford to pay $1,000+ per mattress for every member of their family?  That’s crazy.  But of course, once I learn something, it’s really hard to get it out of my brain.  I purchased organic sheets, but knew that wasn’t enough to block the chemical off-gassing from flame retardants, polyurethane foam, etc. When it was time to trade in Luke’s crib/toddler bed for a “big boy bed” I knew it was time to get thinking of a different solution besides an organic mattress.  I came across this organic cotton waterproof mattress pad from Naturepedic.  In my research I found that while it won’t block all of the chemical off-gassing from a regular mattress, it will at least reduce it.  At this point, I have to be satisfied with that.  We’ve only had this pad for a few weeks now, but my 3 year old has had one night time accident and it worked great keeping his mattress dry.  I wanted to test the pad out and make sure I liked it before getting one for Meghan, but she’ll be the next one to get a mattress pad upgrade.

Real Salt Kosher Salt

You’d be shocked to learn that most regular salts have tons of added ingredients in them, while the natural minerals (that our body needs!) are stripped away.  Many have anti-caking agents and other additives.  In my initial attempt at a healthier salt, I tried Celtic Sea Salt and didn’t love it.  It was very wet.  Enough said.  I was a little hesitant to try a different kind, but have been thrilled with this Real Salt.  Here’s a little blurb about the product from the company:

Real Salt brand is unrefined and full of natural minerals and flavor- the way salt was meant to be savored…we still bring Real Salt to you in its natural state-without additives, chemicals, or heat processing of any kind. Real Salt’s unique pinkish appearance and flecks or color come from more than 60 naturally occurring trace minerals. The result is a delicate “sweet salt” flavor that you may not have experienced before. Real Salt means real flavor. Take a taste test! First taste Real Salt, then try any other salt- The difference will amaze you!

I really love this stuff and am so glad to have found a great alternative to regular commercial salts that are stripped of their goodness.

 These are the natural products I’m loving now! I would love to hear about any new natural products you’ve discovered OR what kind of natural products you are currently seeking in the comments. Share the wealth!

Links in this post are affiliate links.  If you decide to purchase the products from my links, I will be paid a small percentage.  Thank you for supporting Happy Healthy Mama!