Dear Friend,

I have been thinking a lot about… well, life. I remember pre-kids, there weren’t any cares. Little things didn’t matter – what I ate, what chemicals we used in the house. Life didn’t cost so much because pre-kids, there was only two of us.

But now we have kids and now things matter.

Now I care about the food we are putting into our system; I care about the toxins and chemicals in our home; and let’s be real – kids are expensive.

While I have yet to find the answer to our money problems, I have found these 7 items you can change for healthier living.

Disclosure: Life as Leels received some form of compensation (promotional code, product, monies, etc.) in exchange for this post. This post was developed in partnership with Tom’s of Maine. All opinions are my own.

1. Medication

– Rather than going straight for the medicine cabinet, we reach for essential oils first. Some people are believers; some aren’t. It’s not my place to judge. I have tried them, I like them, and they are our first option before going to medicine. (If you want to learn more about them, let me know! I would love to share!)

2. Food

– I am not going to lie. We can’t afford to always buy natural and organic, but we have been making changes when we can to buy more fresh produce and grass fed meat. We also strive to make more foods at home rather than purchase processed food. We don’t always succeed, but we try!

3. Cleaning Supplies

– I have been slowly replacing our cleaning supplies with less chemicals and using more natural based cleaning solutions. Not only is it healthier, but natural based cleaners are safer for the kids to use so I don’t have to do all the cleaning by myself – they can clean too! I mean really, vinegar and essential oils can be quite the magic cleaner! (And why wouldn’t I use cleaning products that the kids can use!? They make the mess, they can clean the mess!)

4. Hygiene Products

– We moved to natural based soaps, shaving gels, shampoos and conditioners. We even switched toothpaste! (Tom’s of Maine has a great toothpaste that even the kids like!)

5. Make Up

– When I find time to wear makeup; I have been slowly been switching over a more natural based makeup. I mean, dumb if I were to use chemically laden make up on a face that was just washed with a natural based product, right?

6. Animal products

– We have been feeding the dog and cats a more natural food and treats; and have been using natural products such as shampoo for Jessie.

7. Deodorant

– I have even gone so far as to start replacing everyone’s deodorant with
. With two sweaty, smelly kids (one who is a tween) plus hubby and I; we rely on deodorant here in the desert!

We actually started using Tom’s of Maine deodorant with K last year. She was getting smelly and I had researched that antiperspirant wasn’t the best option for kids, so I went on a hunt for a deodorant for her.

We found Tom’s of Maine and she used it. Eventually, B started using it. Why I never thought to use it, I don’t know. I guess it’s that parent thing that as long as the kids are okay, it’s not a big deal what happens to me. But I started using it about a week ago and have to say, I don’t have any complaints.

I mean, don’t get me wrong, I would love a clear, invisible deodorant, but beggars can’t be choosers.

provides odor protection using odor-fighting hops and the mineral zinc and only natural fragrances; has fully recyclable packaging; doesn’t test on animals or use animal ingredients; and Tom’s of Maine gives 10% of profits back to helping people and the planet with every purchase.

I have been pleased while using it and the kids haven’t had issues with it, so that’s always good!

What about you? Have you made any changes in your home since having kids?

Write me back or leave me a comment on my
! I would love to chat with you!

PS: How about trying it for yourself!? I thought I would give all of our friends a chance to win their own (6) pack of Tom’s of Maine deodorant. {See Terms & Conditions. Open to 18 years of age or older, US residents only.}