Super Leaves!

You guys know I'm always on the look out for safe personal products to use on my family. When Attitude shared their new Super Leaves Collection with us, we were so excited to try it out! Attitude is EWG verified, based in Quebec, and super affordable - basically a unicorn in the safe personal products realm.

We tried their hand soap made with lemon leaves, their body lotion made with olive leaves, and their shampoo and conditioner with orange leaves - and loved them all. Our kids are physical touch junkies (just like their dad!) and love getting lathered up with body lotion after their bath! I always look for the EWG rating on personal care products now, and I love knowing that Attitude is well-rated and verified.

Also, fun fact: I've been trying to get brad to switch to safer body wash and lotion for so long. Even after the kids and I switched out our old brands, he was a tough sell (the man is not a fan of change, let's just say). Well, he loved the Attitude line and I think he's finally convinced! At last!

 Thanks Attitude, for letting us try your great new line and continuing to make incredible products!

This post is in collaboration with Attitude Living

Images by Rachel Cheng Photography.

To book a collab, contact me!

homemade deodorant that actually works!

So you guys know I've been on the hunt for safer cosmetics and toiletries as of late. And as much as I love Beautycounter for basically all the things, they don't have a deodorant (or nail polish, but that's another post!). Deodorant is a biggie, too.

First off, please don't ever use antiperspirant. Just don't. Your body is supposed to sweat! Any product that blocks something natural from leaving your body should make us suspicious. Imagine a product that prevented you from peeing? I mean, yes, I'd want it for my kids every day until they're potty trained for long drives, but then think for an extra second. Done? Good. I'm sure by now you realize that if it's supposed to naturally leave your body, it's not smart to keep it in there. There have been links to breast cancer, and I'm sure you can find out lots of other sinister information, so I'll leave the googling to you. The point is, use deodorant, not antiperspirant.

Unfortunately, most deodorants, especially aluminum-free ones (again, I'll leave the googling to you as to why you should look for aluminum-free) aren't strong enough for even the lightest tasks. I've tried a few "natural" deodorants over the years, and most of them don't hold up to reading a book in air conditioning, much less actual LIFE.

I started making my own last year and honestly, it's the best safe deodorant I've come across. Sure, I sweat. Today it's 32 degrees in Montreal, and I'm not expecting this or any deodorant to keep me completely dry in those conditions. But even even I sweat, I smell GOOD. And I don't get sweat stains on my clothing, and definitely no yucky deodorant stains (again, aluminum-free...) Yay!

If you're up for the crunchy task, here's my recipe!

• 1/4 cup corn starch or Arrowroot powder 
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• Add coconut oil until you reach desired consistency (remember it supposed to be spreadable but not liquid-y), approximately 2 table spoon
• 5 drops of lavender essential oil (or another oil of your choice for scent)

Mix everything in a glass bowl, adding more oil or powder to get the consistency you want, and then press into an old deodorant cartridge and pop in the fridge to solidify some more.  Store in a cool, dry place. Lasts for up to a year!