JoaS

About a month into swapping out our old products for cleaner ones, I thought I'd share some of my finds that just did not measure up, unfortunately, to save someone else the heartache and headache. "Duds" may be too harsh a word, but I like the ring it has. I wanted to like these, and I'd had high hopes, but I just didn't find they delivered the results I desired or required--especially since cleaner products tend to be pricier than the very efficient, chemical-ridden ones. To be clear, most of these were not necessarily entirely ineffective, simply not a good option for me. Fortunately, it is a short list. First up, this Natural Family Co. Sensitive Toothpaste. This was the closest I could find to an EWG verified sensitive toothpaste, and I bought it on Amazon for about $12. That's a lot for a toothpaste, in my opinion. Full disclosure, it worked fine and I did not experience any increase in sensitivity. In fact, I found it was quite effective for ...

I have found a few more items I am pleased to add to the list of products we have switched out for clean options. I found a clean hairspray! I've heard a couple of women on Instagram recently calling for suggestions, as effective and clean hair styling products seem to be among the most difficult to find. I am pleased to announce that Carina Organics appears to have delivered in their Fast Drying Unscented hairspray . My only qualm is that I ordered through the company's website and shipping took a very long time and was not cheap. I will continue to look for an effective, clean hairspray that is easier to access, and I have my eye on the Free & Clear Firm Hold next. The Natural Family Co. Sensitive Toothpaste on Amazon I found a clean,sensitive toothpaste. My teeth/gums are very sensitive and the only toothpaste my dentist has ever recommended to me was the Colgate Sensitive paste. Unfortunately, this product is not clean. I was using Tom's Sen...

I'm back with more favorites! This week I thought I'd share five of my favorite activites, not just products. These can be free, inexpensive, quality time alone or with loved ones, and beneficial in other ways. 1. Evening walks. Especially in the Summer, Michael and I take a walk almost every evening after dinner. It helps me to sleep better, it's our daily dose of quality time, and it relieves stress and aids in digestion. Numerous benefits, zero cost. Beautiful. 2. Reading. If I'm alone, I'm probably reading - these days this looks like listening to audiobooks incessantly since my hands are usually busy with laundry, jewelry, cleaning, etc. My dad and I started going to the library once a week before I even started grade school and continued through high school. I downloaded our local library's RB Digital app years ago when I went off to college, and I've been checking out numerous (free) audiobooks ever since. I've tri...

So, thanks to @annaliesemeyer on Instagram, I've recently discovered a little thing called the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database by the Environmental Working Group . I've been looking into some of the ingredients used to make products we just toss in the cart at the grocery store without a second thought, even the so called "natural" ones I make sure to buy for my sensitive skin. Needless to say, it's been quite the eye opening experience and a tad alarming to learn what passes for "clean" for many companies. (The irony is that it will probably be cell phone radiation that gets me, but if I can be the slightest bit preventative and intentional in my skincare and personal care choices, perhaps I can stave off some of those cancer concerns). Making the switch from tried and true favorites to new products that are EWG verified (or close*) can be daunting. I imagined it would be--it certainly doesn't happen overnight and it can get pricey if yo...

It's been a week! In case you missed it, Love Meg from Youtube sported some JJ Pineapple Tassel Earrings in one of her videos this Summer and on Instagram this week: Giftsy Handmade then featured my Faberge Tassel Earrings on their website  and social media accounts! JacobJewelry on GiftsyHandmade.com It has been a learning process and an awesome experience growing and operating my own shop. I'm constantly discovering new outlets for marketing, other Etsy shops and sellers, not to mention insights into buyers and viewer reach. It's all a little overwhelming at times, but I'm so beyond grateful for the opportunity to try my hand at it and get to be creative. I just listed several new items for the end of Summer and back to school season, too! There are several dainty drop earrings in so many fun colors, a few more fun and Summery tassel earrings, and now plenty of options for all those Carolina, Clemson, and other SEC fans...