going granola?

Last week, I briefly mentioned how I’m switching to natural cleaners. Not homemade cleaners, but ones without all the harsh chemicals. This week, I’ve been thinking a lot about homemade toiletries. Many people delve into homemade products to save money, avoid harsh chemicals and reduce their carbon footprint. All of these are very valid, driving reasons in my book. But my primary motivation for testing out some homemade products has more to do with their touted results.

You see, 7 months after having baby #2, I’m at the point where I feel I continue to look lackluster. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve still got that big smile and glimmer in my eye when it comes to my kids. I’m talking more about my surface-level look. I lost the baby weight quickly, so that’s not the issue. It really has more to do with my face and hair, which are commonly first impressions.

The months upon end of sleepless nights (between the newborn phase, sicknesses and teething) aren’t doing anything for my dark circles and fine lines. And of course the winter, with limited exposure to Vitamin D, isn’t exactly helping to give my face any color. And my hair, oh my poor hair 🙂 I lost a bunch of hair after I had baby #1, so I knew what to expect this time. I think the hair loss part is finally lessening now that it’s been 7 months. Of course now I have all those fine baby hairs coming in so my head resembles that of a toddler, but this too shall pass, I’m well aware. Besides the postpartum hair loss (which I know is really just your hair acclimating since you loose less while pregnant), this crazy hot/cold weather has left me with dandruff. On top of those two issues, I got a bad cut and color nearly two months ago and am unwilling to spend money on a new cut and highlights this soon.

I’ve read reviews on countless facial and hair products online, but the prices are exorbitant and who knows if they’d work on me. Plus, now that I’m going the natural cleaning route, any natural toiletries that are more gentle on my face and hair seemed worth a shot.

After the boys have gone to bed, I’ve spent the past several nights reading multiple blog posts and articles about natural homemade products, and on Jan. 17, I gave it my first shot. There are varying recommendations as to what ratios to use for many toiletries and many opinions as to their effectiveness, but at this point, I really have nothing to lose. After all, I’m makeupless more often than not and almost always wear my hair in a ponytail to hide the bad cut and color.

So the first homemade remedies or products I’m trying include:

• Baking soda as shampoo
• Apple cider vinegar as conditioner
• Coconut oil as a combo makeup remover, face wash and moisturizer
• Baking soda as a teeth cleaner and whitener

I have no idea how my face and hair will react to these products, but I’m optimistic based on the articles and firsthand experiences I’ve read. Regardless, I’m willing to give them a try for a few weeks to see if they could serve as a long-term beauty regimen.

Now that I’ve been scouring the interwebs for facial and hair cleansers, I’ve stumbled upon many more natural products that have piqued my interest. Time permitting, I’d love to try to make many other products, which could also save some serious cash in the long run. Those on my wishlist include:

• diaper cream
• sunscreen
• bug repellent
• baby wash
• deodorant
• bath soap
• face mask
• face exfoliator
• makeup
• shaving cream
• laundry detergent
• dishwasher detergent
• cleaners

I have no idea as to the amount of time and effort required to make these products, but many share the same ingredients so I’m thinking that if I can buy those in bulk then I can work to create the products as time allows.

Next week I’ll share my thoughts on what I think so far about my new face and hair care routine. Time will tell just how granola I go!