Clean Living with Erica

I’m not setting any goals this year…

It’s the near year and I know it’s the time of year that we’re supposed to set our resolutions and plan out big goals for the year. I’m throwing that notion out the window.

2021 was my most challenging year to date. I set forth big goals and entered the year in high spirits that so much was going to happen and the universe had other plans in mind.

This year, rather than focusing on big goals and resolutions, I’m going to focus on making small changes, incorporating small daily habits that will lead to BIG changes and BIG goals.

It’s not going to the gym 5 days a week for one week that’s going get you results. It’s making small changes over time, like walking 20 minutes a day, every day for a year.

I still have my big life goals in my mind but focusing on a goal is not going to get me there if I don’t have systems in place to grow. Today, tomorrow, and onward, I’m focusing on tiny mindset shifts and creating simple new habits that will compound into big changes.

Which camp are you in?! New year big goals? Or are you joining me in ditching the big goals?

PFAS have been circulating the news recently. If you’re wondering what they are, here is some insight and also tips on how you can avoid them!

This past year has not been an easy one, but amidst challenging times there is still always so much to be grateful for if your keep your mindset open.

I truly can’t believe the life and I have created for ourselves and I’m so grateful for every opportunity that has come our way. Every door that closes truly is an opportunity for a better one to open… and we have 5 denied house offers to prove it! 🤪

Happy Thanksgiving friend! I hope you can feel the love the gratitude today no matter where you are what you’re going through ❤️

I was told this the other day…

That when I have kids I will resort to chemical disinfectants like Lysol because it’s more convenient.

Now, I understand I cannot put myself in the shoes of a parent, and I do believe in the 80/20 rule so if Lysol is the only harmful product you’re using, no biggie. BUT here’s why I will never use these products…

Disinfectants and sanitizers made with pesticides and toxic chemicals that actually weaken our immune system, the opposite of what you’re aiming to accomplish with these products!

Accidental poisonings related to disinfectants and harmful cleaners increased drastically in 2020 with the increased use of these products.

Natural soap is scientifically recognized to be the most effective agent against against unwanted germs as it breaks down the membrane of the pathogen so it can’t survive.

Ingredients in disinfectant agents degrade the health of your lungs over time and fumes reside in your home even after use. Disinfectants also aim to “kill” germs instead of remove them which lead to bacteria that can mutate into resistant bacteria causing super bugs.

So swap those chemicals for a natural soap based cleaner! I use (discount code in bio). Branch Basics is also great.

Drop your q’s below! Have you ditched the disinfectants yet?!

Research from Harvard University, EPA, New York Times and CNN.

5 easy ways to avoid phthalates!

I shared the other day the deal with this current buzzword, phthalates - what they are and how they impact our health. So you hopefully know by now they can be incredibly harmful. But what do we do now?

Limiting your exposure to phthalates is actually fairly simple and here are 5 easy ways to do so.

🚫Avoid plastic food storage whenever possible and opt for glass storage containers
✅Use reusable produce bags and buy fresh foods to avoid plastic or canned food packaging.
✅Cook at home more than you do takeout to avoid plastic takeout containers.
🚫If plastic is unavoidable (we all do takeout from time to time), NEVER heat it in the microwave as this breaks down the plastic and releases more chemicals, and store your leftovers in a glass container.
✅Eat organic when possible
✅Choose products without “fragrance” on the label (this is everything from cleaning products to personal care, even candles).

The more we build in small habits such as these, the easier they become and the healthier you become! Which of these will you incorporate first?!

What’s that smell?!

Ever wonder what’s actually making your candles scented, or creating that sweet smell of your perfume? What about that luxurious scent of your shampoo?

Well, it’s not as glamorous as it smells that’s for sure! Many of these products we use daily have the ingredient label FRAGRANCE (or perfume or parfum). Though it may smell nice to some, that one tiny label actually is a loophole that allows companies to hide numerous chemicals. Fragrance can be made up of 3100 different types of chemicals, none of which ever will show up on your ingredient list because fragrance is considered a trade secret.

It’s reported that much of our exposure to pollutants actually comes from indoors and this may be a result of fragranced products used in our homes from cleaning products to personal care. Exposure to fragrance is linked to respiratory problems, asthma, allergies, and migraines. Additionally, endocrine disrupting chemicals, such as phthalates, are often used in fragrance.

Check your labels and tell me how you’re doing?! How many products can you find that contain fragrance?! Comment below and I’ll help you find a cleaner option 👇🏼

Are living the life you envision for yourself? Are living in alignment with your truest desires?

Noah Baron | Actor/Producer] and I are both firm believers in manifesting the life we desire. We are constantly talking about the things we want in life as if they’re already a reality. We know the things we want will come to us because we are living in alignment with our desires rather than forcing ourselves to change to fit a mold.

I could not be more inspired and impressed every day with how Noah Baron | Actor/Producer] puts this into action. 18 months ago, he decided he wanted to produce and star in a feature film. So he went out, found producers, found funding, found a writer, spent 18 months on script edits and meetings, and now, he’s on set for a month turning this film into reality.

I’m not saying it’s easy. I’m not saying it doesn’t take hard work. But I’m saying it’s possible. It’s possible to have the life you desire and I hope you’re not letting anything stand in your way 💕