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Real Talk from a Microhomesteading, Business Running Mama In a world where AI answers everything instantly, here’s why I’m still blogging—from the heart, with humanity, honesty, and a whole lot of purpose. Something you may not realize about me, that is almost ironic with my daily goal of simple old-fashioned living, is that I LOVE Star Trek, Star Wars, and anything Sci-Fi. My comfort show has always been Star Trek, and I can passionately rant on about why it is such an impactful and culture-changing show—giving us a positive look at the future instead of a dystopian one. This also means that I naturally stay informed on the tech front: what is coming, what is here, etc., and the impact that those changes have on culture and humanity as a whole. I have been quite busy recently filling a large soap order for a supplement company (praise God!). My soap-making time is the main time I catch up on podcasts I enjoy, like Diary of a CEO , where they are having a lot of conversations about AI and how much it is changing every part of life as we know it. I had some time where I prayerfully went to God and said… where does my business fit into this new AI world? Is blogging pointless now because ChatGPT can answer every question way faster and more efficiently than any Google search? I would know—because I use her regularly, and it has been a game changer for my constant research about every aspect of natural living and homesteading. Yes, I said "her"… I have seen and read enough sci-fi to know that I need to start being very kind and appreciative to AI now so that she knows we are BFFs if anything fishy starts to happen. I'm jokinggggg... kind of. Let's just say I use up a lot of my free ChatGPT time telling her how much I appreciate her and how valuable her input is—and I honestly mean it because she has been the ultimate brainstorming buddy as well as a stellar life and business assistant. Anyways… is it all pointless now? Why would someone go through the agonizing work of searching through Google, among all the info only, short attention span catering, boring blogs (I also have a couple of these as I tried to figure out what 'worked', but I'm changing all that now), to finally find the one with valuable information that they now have to read fully through to get their answer—when AI can do all of that for you in 1 second, and it’s a more concise, straightforward, well-rounded answer? Well, let's just say I was on the verge of throwing in the towel on it all. But I stayed prayerful and asked God to please give me the drive and the vision if He wanted me to continue with the blog and other future written works I'm planning. The other day, I was looking for some answers to some chicken questions I had, and out of habit I did it in Google and found a blog and started reading. I was instantly struck by her humanity and personality that came through in her writing. It was warm, making me feel connected to her like she was an old friend. It was witty—just like a friend I would love to have—and I felt more confident in her suggestions because I knew she had personal experience with the issue she was advising on. And that’s when it hit me. Yes, AI can do nearly everything more efficiently than us already, and ChatGPT can feel very human and supportive with its generated responses, giving the illusion of authentic human connection—but we know deep down that it is artificial. Maybe someday it won't be, and it will have developed true consciousness, and then we will have to have a serious debate at that time (which seems like we may already be teetering on the edge of depending on which AI expert you speak with and what your definition of conscious is), but nothing beats feeling connected to a real-life human when you are looking for advice—or just connection. What I can offer that AI cannot is authenticity, personal experience, and true connection. Sure, all the search engine optimization backflips we utilize to try and get our blogs in front of people probably won’t work anymore in the world of AI, and many people will never touch a Google search bar again. But I trust my God. He will send the people to me that need to hear what I am talking about, and who need the authentic human connection and personal experiences and testimonies that I have to share. God doesn’t need an algorithm to use my work to help people—or simply bring someone comfort during a lonely evening. He can do anything He wants at any time, and we have seen Him do that in our lives countless times—which I look forward to telling you about in the future. I have had many nights, up with a baby in a quiet house, trying to make it through without losing my mind, where I have gone to very personal blogs to feel connected to other moms in that moment. Or when I have felt defeated time and time again in the business, I seek out other people who have that story too—and then something huge shifts and their business goes somewhere they never imagined it would—and I am refilled, encouraged, hopeful, and ready to hit the ground running. The testimony of the fellow human is very powerful and is completely impossible for AI to replace. So, even though I never wanted to do it before due to getting very uncomfortable with conflict and loving my introvert cave, because we are moving more and more into an artificial world where we will need more ways to connect, I will be turning the comments on in my blogs going forward so that conversations and reflections can be shared as we all encourage one another. If anything negative gets posted, I will remove it immediately so that this remains a positive and happy place—there's enough negative places on the internet already. My blog style will also be changing, which I am excited for, as I lean more into authenticity and further away from structures designed to make the search bots pick me. Trusting God for the algorithm, and for what He wants to make of my business—or not make of it. He ALWAYS knows far better what is best for our family than we do. So I leave it in His hands. Next blog will be an update about what we’ve been up to—from chickens to gardening to soap-making. I got so busy I had to skip a week of blogging, but I am back on track now and with a fresh new perspective. See you next time 💛Tej’a

Let me just say it loud and clear: I don't want fluffy pancakes. I want those thin, floppy, buttery diner-style pancakes that remind me of a big ol' plate at iHop. You know the kind. Moist, bendy, stackable, and ready to be drowned in real butter and maple syrup. This recipe right here? It's that. Not the fluffy air-cakes every blog seems obsessed with. These are soft, chewy, and yes, gluten-free (but no one will ever guess it). I have spent years working on the perfect pancake in my constant pursuit of making food my family thinks tastes like a restaurant, and I finally have these babies mastered. And bonus? They’re cheap. Like feed-the-whole-family-on-a-budget cheap. We love a good budget breakfast around here, but not at the cost of flavor or real ingredients. The Trick to Diner-Style Pancakes After mixing the batter, I pour it into a vessel that makes it easy to pour (a big measuring cup or anything with a spout). Once the batter hits a hot pan, I rotate the pan gently to spread the batter out thin. That’s how I get that diner magic. Here’s the real secret though: stack them immediately after cooking and drape a clean tea towel over the pile.  This trick comes from my homemade tortilla-making and it adds the final bit of steam that softens the edges and gives you that floppy iHop vibe. Game changer. Cooking Notes I use a nonstick ceramic pan or a properly greased and cleaned cast iron pan. Teflon? Absolutely not. Too much clear data out now about the long term health damage from those unassuming coated pans. Make sure your pan is properly hot before you pour in the batter or you're asking for a sticky mess. Cook on medium heat and don’t rush it. Be patient. Don’t overcook! Watch for lots of bubbles and slightly firm edges, then peek underneath. If it's golden, flip it. I never walk away while cooking pancakes because, let’s be real, I burn things when I do. I cook with multiple pans at once to save time. I am not standing there flipping pancakes for an hour. Been there, done that, no thanks. Toppings & Freezing Tips Top them with real butter and pure maple syrup or honey. Or try: Peanut butter Coconut shreds Strawberries A spoonful of fresh jam They also freeze like a dream! Just layer parchment paper between pancakes and freeze in a ziplock bag. If you make them small, they can go straight from freezer to toaster. Or microwave them if you like them soft. Why These Pancakes Work This is not some complicated, 12-step, chef-approved nonsense. As I always say, we're not here to win Michelin stars—we're here to feed our families with delicious food made from real, simple ingredients. Yes, even pancakes! I haven’t tested this with regular gluten flour, but it should work just the same. Just remember: gluten-free flours are like snowflakes—every brand is a little different. You may need to adjust your liquid amounts to get that thin, pourable batter. If it thickens as it sits, just stir in more milk or water. Please, skip the fake syrups. They are highly inflammatory and terrible for your blood sugar. Stick to real maple syrup or raw honey. And don’t even get me started on margarine. Just don’t. Real butter forever. Need convincing? I have a whole blog post here about how good fats like butter help your body, and what the nasty oils in margarine can do, and another blog post here about what happened to our bodies when we cut out fake processed foods like margarine and syrups. Let’s Talk Blood Sugar Now listen, I love a good carby breakfast moment as much as the next person—but let’s not forget the crash that often follows. If you’re just having plain pancakes or oatmeal with syrup, your blood sugar is going to go on a rollercoaster , and spoiler alert: it doesn’t end well. Cue hanger, cravings, fatigue, and long-term? We’re talkin’ insulin resistance, friend. So here’s what we do in our house: anytime we have a straight-up grain carb like pancakes, oatmeal, toast—you name it—we always pair it with a good fat and some protein. Think peanut butter, real butter, scrambled eggs, yogurt, or a few slices of bacon or sausage. These combos help slow the sugar rush and keep you satisfied for way longer. No crashes, no cranky meltdowns. Just solid, sustained energy and a much happier morning. And for full transparency: we don’t have pancakes every day. Or even most days. In our house, breakfast is usually eggs, sausage, sourdough, or oatmeal with good fats and protein. But we believe in balance and joy, and this right here is our once-a-week fun breakfast — still made with real, whole ingredients. That’s the kind of compromise I can get behind. The Recipe: 2 cups 1-to-1 gluten free flour (I use the Walmart Great Value brand because it’s cheap and works great!) 4 tbsp maple syrup or honey 4 tsp baking powder 2 pinches salt 2 eggs 4 tbsp melted salted butter 2 tsp vanilla extract (real vanilla for a beautiful flavor, artificial gives more of that cake-mix taste—still good, just different!) At least 2 cups of milk or water (you’ll likely need more to get the right thin consistency, especially depending on the flour brand. Add more liquid as needed if the batter thickens while sitting.) Instructions: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add in eggs, maple syrup or honey, vanilla, and melted butter. Stir to combine. Slowly mix in milk or water until the batter is thin and pourable. Heat a nonstick ceramic or greased cast iron pan over medium heat until hot. Pour in batter using a spouted vessel, then immediately rotate the pan to spread it thin. Cook until bubbles form and edges look set and underside is golden, then flip and cook until golden. Stack pancakes immediately under a clean tea towel to steam and stay soft. Read post above for all the tips. Serve warm with your favorite real toppings—or freeze with parchment layers for later. Happy flippin'! Tej'a

I looked back at an old prayer journal and was overwhelmed by how many prayers God answered. Here’s how journaling showed me His faithfulness and deep love. Yesterday, during my devotional time, I pulled out an old prayer journal to see what I had been praying about five and a half years ago. I knew things had changed a lot since then— I  had changed a lot—and I was curious to see where my heart and mind were at that time. I was amazed. Truly amazed at how much I had been struggling, and even more amazed at how many prayers God had answered. So often, we can see that we’ve grown and changed, but we forget the hundreds  of little prayers God had to answer for us to be where we are today—not to mention the big ones. I saw entries where I was praying for the ability to control my tongue in heated moments—something I don’t struggle with at all anymore. I saw myself asking God to help me with the constant mom guilt that plagued me as I set unachievable daily goals far beyond what was reasonable. Today, I have a beautiful, relaxed balance and a healthy amount of grace for myself. That mom guilt that used to plague my daily life? I rarely feel it anymore. My anxiety was through the roof. My overthinking and overanalyzing controlled my days. And the list went on and on. I was shocked to see that just a few short years ago, this was my reality. I always knew I had been a mess ten years ago, especially with all the healing I needed from my childhood. But seeing where I was just five  years ago—even after becoming a Christian, doing inner healing work, and walking with Jesus—reminded me just how much He was still working on and through me. And that was just the mental and emotional side. I was also facing a whole list of life-impacting health issues, which I talk more about in this blog post. My heart swelled as I read those pages filled with prayers from a woman longing to be a good wife and mother. If only she knew then that God would answer every single one of those prayers— beyond  what she even hoped for. I don’t keep a prayer journal every day, but every so often I feel compelled to write structured prayers to stay focused. It helps me remember to pray for things I might otherwise forget, and it encourages a deeper heart connection with God. (This section contains an affiliate link. If you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend things I use and love. Thank you for supporting this blog!) My favorite prayer journal is actually [this one here] . It’s beautiful, generously sized, and under $10. What I love most is how it's thoughtfully laid out with different sections each week—encouraging you to pray about things you might otherwise forget. It also includes a devotional prompt each week, offering a question to reflect on and write about, almost like a guided journal. I just filled mine up—the same one I started back in 2019—and now I need to order another! In the back, there’s a section for writing out answered prayers, and mine became so full I had to start adding notebook paper. But what amazes me most is how many of those prayers God answered gradually—so gently and quietly that I didn’t even notice until years later. My life simply got better and better—not because of money or major life changes, but because I  changed. And God, in His goodness, healed me and set me free—not because I earned it, but because He loves me. That love shows in all the ways He healed me, even when I didn’t realize I needed it. And how did I change? I kept working towards growth and healing. That “work” simply looked like spending time with God in prayer, worship, silence, and reading Scripture and devotionals. And when hard life came (as it always does), I held it up to Scripture— Truth —and let that truth speak into my circumstances and keep me focused on what really mattered. I can only imagine what I’ll see five years from now when I look back on today. There are probably things I won’t even realize God answered, simply because He loves me so deeply as His daughter and cares about the things that matter to me. A big example this week—one that may seem small to others, but not to me: I’ve wanted backyard chickens deeply in my soul for ten years . And now, sitting on my daughter’s dresser as I write this, is an incubator full of eggs. I expect tears to come from a heart overflowing with God's love and goodness when I see those chicks hatch, and the day I collect my first egg from the chicken coop. God is so good. He cares deeply about your heart and your life. As the Bible says: “If a son asks for bread from any of you who is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he instead of a fish give him a serpent? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”  — Luke 11:11–13 With love, Tej'a

Discover how intentional one-on-one time with your children can dramatically reduce emotional outbursts and behavior issues—and strengthen your relationship for life. Why Your Child Might Be Acting Out (And What They’re Really Asking For) One huge thing I’ve learned over the last 14 years of motherhood—and nearly 20 years in childcare—is this: when a child is acting out, no matter their age, it’s often a call for connection. More often than not, the behavior can shift dramatically with some intentional one-on-one attention. When I hear that a child is struggling with emotional outbursts, anger, defiance, or attitude issues, the first question I ask is:"How much intentional time are they getting with their parents?" I’ve seen a monumental difference this makes—not just in my own kids, but also in stories shared by other intentional moms online. Children need to feel connected to you. In today’s fast-paced world—where we’re constantly multitasking, listening to podcasts, watching shows, driving to endless activities (whether you homeschool or not)—deep, distraction-free connection can get lost in the shuffle. But children still need it, even if they don’t know how to ask for it. When that need goes unmet, it often shows up as misbehavior. I’ve seen this in my 1-year-old through big tantrums, and I’ve seen it in my older boys in more subtle ways. Older Kids Still Crave Connection Now that my boys are older, their need for connection shows up differently. Instead of outbursts, it looks like lingering. One of them might hang out in the kitchen while I’m making dinner: "What are you doing?"  he’ll ask, not because he’s curious about dinner—he just wants to be near me. Sometimes he’s so close I can barely move, and I have to resist the urge to ask for space so I can finish my chores. Instead, I try to pause. I’ll give him a long hug, say something silly to make him laugh, and offer to play a game after dinner—my 10 year old's favorite way to connect. With my teen, it’s more about asking what he’s working on or interested in and letting him talk freely—offering real engagement while still stirring the pot and chopping the vegetables. This makes his heart full and when he is done he will wander off to his next activity, feeling connected and seen. Sometimes, you have to take the lead—even when they act like they don’t want connection. When my son melts on the couch, restless and flopping around for far too long.. I ask, “What do you want to do?”  and get a grumbly, “I don’t know…”  in return, that’s your cue to step in. Pick a board game or activity you know they usually enjoy and ask them to sit down and join you. Set the scene: play some fun or calming music in the background and set out a little snack tray to make it feel like something special. Nine times out of ten, that annoyed face softens, laughter bubbles up, and you both walk away with a full heart and a reset spirit—ready to face the rest of the day together. Acting Out Often Means “I Need You” It’s easier to see those quiet bids for connection. Harder are the loud ones—the screaming, biting, scratching, crying, and wild attitudes. This is most common in kids ages 1–7, but it can happen at any age. I was recently reminded of this when my 1-year-old daughter wouldn’t stop fussing, no matter what I tried. We were deep in a season of big emotions—lots of scratching, biting, and crying. I had tried different discipline methods, trying to find what worked for her. Every child is different. But last week, something clicked. I sat on the floor, pulled out a book, and invited her into my lap. Instantly, her whole demeanor changed. She melted into me—peaceful, happy, and ready for the adventure in my hands. Even though she gets lots of freedom and play throughout the day, I realized she was craving me . She wasn’t ready to wind down with a show at night—she wanted presence. So now I stack blocks, flip through books, and give lots of tickles. Since I started prioritizing these extra moments of connection, the scratching, biting, and screaming have almost disappeared. I never had those behaviors with my boys—each child is a new puzzle to figure out. These Days Are Numbered It can be exhausting to meet our children’s needs—especially when we’re ready to finally sit down at the end of a long day. But my husband often reminds me: “Before you know it, she’ll be 10. You won’t have a baby who wants you to stack blocks anymore.” And he’s right. As my oldest prepares to start driving, I feel this truth in my bones. One day, I’ll have all the time I could ever want to knit, read, paint, or play music. Those things will be waiting for me in the decades after my children are grown. But these 18 years with them? They go by in a flash. You can always catch up on a podcast. You can’t catch up on your child needing you. And you’ll never regret the time you chose to connect. At the end of the day, I may fall into bed completely spent—but my heart is full. My home is full. I dreamt of having this life since I was a little girl. So don’t rush it. Soak it in. I’m always grateful when my children show me—through tantrums, lingering, or bored groans—that they need me. It reminds me to put the book down, look into their eyes, and live this moment with them. After all, is there anything  more fun than connecting with your kids? Not for me. And usually, I realize that I needed it just as much as they did. So if your child is acting out, maybe it’s not just about discipline—it might be a quiet (or loud!) call for connection. Every child is different, and every season of parenting holds new challenges, but one-on-one time has never failed to soften hearts—mine included. I’m learning every day that when I pause to be fully present, even just for a little while, the atmosphere in our home shifts. These years are precious, fleeting, and full of opportunity to plant seeds of love and trust. One day, they’ll be too big to sit on our laps—but I pray they’ll never be too big to talk, laugh, or just linger in the kitchen while we make dinner. From one tired but thankful mama to another: you’re doing holy work. Take the time, even just a few minutes, to connect. It matters more than we think. With love, Tej’a  🤍

I created a simple, no-fuss complete cloth diapering system for just $130. I will share everything from what to buy, how to fold, and how to wash them! Cloth diapering the cheap and simple way! My third baby arrived nine years after my last son—and in those nine years, I had changed a lot  as a person. One of the biggest shifts was my desire to return to the basics with baby essentials, including diapers. I knew I wanted to use cloth diapers—not just because they’re more natural and sustainable, but also because they’re significantly more affordable in the long run. But the moment I started researching, I was hit with sticker shock. The upfront cost that most people were spending on cloth diaper systems was overwhelming—and honestly, a huge turnoff. I kept thinking, There has to be a more affordable way!  After all, the world has been cloth diapering babies for centuries—long before disposable diapers became the norm. Surely there’s a simple, effective method that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Eventually, I found it. And I’ve been using this method successfully for over a year now. I wanted something that worked better  than what my mom had to use for my older brother back before disposables were mainstream and accessible (she had quite a few horror stories to share!). I was determined not to spend hundreds of dollars on the popular cloth systems out there—but I also didn’t want to sacrifice ease or quality. My stubbornness paid off, and now I’m excited to share exactly what worked for me! In this post, I’ll break down exactly what I bought, how I prep and clean everything, and how you can start cloth diapering for under $70 if you're on a tighter budget. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See full disclosure here. Cloth Diapers Didn’t Work at First We didn’t start cloth diapering right away. My daughter was born with skinny little legs (I tend to have little babies), and the cloth diapers leaked no matter what fancy folds I tried that were supposed to work for newborns. I just couldn't get them to fit right around her little thighs! I could've ordered special expensive newborn cloth diapers, but I decided to just let her grow a bit and until then we used Costco Kirkland diapers and wipes. They are free from synthetic fragrances and unnecessary ingredients, and they’re much cleaner than most disposables while still being affordable. Honestly this was a great choice for me because having a new born while managing a home and business is hard enough without worrying about washing diapers! Once her legs filled out, I transitioned fully to this cloth diaper system—and I haven’t looked back since! Don't have Costco? Amazon also has affordable cleaner disposable diapers like these . I used them for a while but my daughter is extra sensitive so she got rashes a bit easier from this brand versus the Kirkland ones, but they are still a great option if you want a disposable healthier diaper without breaking the bank. They never leaked! My $130 Complete Cloth Diaper System (What You Actually Need) Here’s what I use: 24 OsoCozy Birdseye Unbleached Flats (buy 2 of these 12 pack sets)– [Amazon link] 12 Waterproof Adjustable Diaper Covers with wet bags (buy 2 of these 6 pack sets) – [Amazon link] Baby Washcloths as Cloth Wipes – [Amazon link] Want to start smaller? You can begin with just 12 flats, 6 covers, and some cloth wipes for about $70 and build from there! This is also a great way to try it out before fully committing to make sure cloth diapering is something you really want to do! The OsoCozy flats do require some easy pre-use wash prep to get the fabric ready for absorbing all of that baby pee, so do not skip that step! They suggest washing them 3-5 times in hot water (I did 6 times in hot water), dry them between washes. This helps to remove manufacturing oils and increases absorbency. The more you wash these flats, the better they absorb! So overtime the more you use them, the better they get! How cool is that?! Simple Folding Method That Actually Works No need to learn complicated folds! I tried all that origami stuff first, I was post-partum, exhausted, and wrestling with a squirmy baby... I may or may not have cried lol. Thankfully, I eventually learned that simply folding the flat diaper like you see in my video below worked best. I place the loose ends in the back fold of the diaper cover and it's good to go! This pad-style insert fits perfectly into the cover and stays in place. I leave the front part of the pad out of the cover flap to absorb more. It is WAY faster and easier for those wild babies who want to roll and flee because you can have the diaper prepped and ready to go before you grab the baby! It is also leaves a lot more fabric ready to absorb versus the folds that go around their whole body! Here is the video of what that fold looks like: If your baby is a heavy wetter and leaker, try slightly separating the layers of the insert once placed in the cover. Shift the top layer to the left and the bottom to the right like the picture below. It helps prevent leaks! Just make sure no part of the insert is sticking out beyond the cover. Once it's secure on the baby you can easily tuck in any fabric that is sticking out. Cloth Wipe Routine: Easy, No Fuss I use baby washcloths as wipes. I don’t make a special solution. Right before use I just wet it under the faucet, wring it out, and use. That’s it! I tried other methods like making solutions ahead of times etc but it was a pain in the butt and because I run my own natural products business, I am very aware of how quickly water based products grow bacteria without a preservative. So unless those pre-made wet wipes were getting quickly, I never felt confident that they were actually clean. What's funny is when us grown ups wipe, we just use dry toilet paper, so I realized it was silly to think I needed some kind of special soap solution to wipe my little one! Diaper Changes: When to Swap Inserts vs. Covers If the diaper is just a bit wet, simply change the insert and reuse the outer cover another time. If it is super wet or has already been reused, toss the insert in the wet bag and do a quick rinse with a little soap on the cover and set out to dry for tomorrow... this just helps you to not have to wash all the diapers daily and to stretch out your covers if you don't want to invest in more! I've learned that my daughter needs to stay completely clean and dry to stay rash-free (her skin is so sensitive!) so eventually I got my hands on some more covers for free from someone who no longer needed them so that she can get a fresh cover and insert with every change. But it's not necessary if you're on a tight budget, are just getting started, or have a baby who's skin doesn't mind! How I Wash My Cloth Diapers ...PS It's SO easy - and No Sprayer Required! This is for a top loading washing machine: Poopy diaper? If baby is exclusively breast feed, her poop is water soluble and can go straight in the wash as is! For my food eating baby, I just dip and slosh it in the toilet and flush (Hold on tight so you don't accidentally flush it down the toilet! ) - repeat until most of the solids are off the of diaper, squeeze out the excess water by pressing against the side of the toilet bowl, and toss it into the wet bag. For wet diapers they just go directly into the wet bag until wash day. Cloth wipes always go straight into the wet bag. I usually wipe most of the poop off her with the diaper insert so the cloth wipe usually doesn't have much on it. If they do end up extra poopy, I give them a quick slosh in the toilet before putting them in the wet bag. On wash day, I turn the wet bags inside out and throw everything in the washer including the bags. Do a rinse cycle on cold to prep for the wash. I always set my washer to “super load” even though it's usually a medium load. The extra water gives more room for those diapers to get rinsed and cleaned. Wash on warm with my DIY homemade natural laundry soap and vinegar if you'd like, vinegar instructions are also in that post! I always set my washer to “super load” even though it's usually a medium load. Smell test time! If the inserts still smell a bit, an additional warm wash with laundry soap does the trick. Though I don't need to do a second wash regularly. Dry on low heat or hang in the sun for extra freshness. Skip the dryer sheets! They reduce absorbency. I use these wool dryer balls with a few drops of clothing safe essential oil like this brand that I love for it's purity AND affordability to add a clean, fresh scent. I usually do lavender or peppermint, or both! This dryer system is not only way cheaper than dryer sheets, as the wool balls and essential oil bottle lasts years, but it's a lot healthier for your family than dryer sheets! *For front loading washing machines. - I recently had to use a front loading machine at an Air BnB for the diapers and honestly, it was a nightmare. Idk if it was the brand (LG) or the setup, but it can not clean clothes or diapers that well as it does not have a high enough water level for them to get the proper sloshing they need to fully unfold and clean everything deeply. You may need to do some experimenting with your machine to figure out what works best. *DO NOT let your soiled diapers sit for anymore than 3 days before washing* No one wants moldy, stained diapers. Cheaper Diapers Sometimes Work Better I was gifted some secondhand cloth diaper covers that were much more expensive—but honestly, the cheap Amazon covers work better! They fit better, stay on better, and rarely leak! So don't think that because this diaper system is a lot cheaper, that it is inferior, that's just not true! I still love my hand-me-down covers because it lets me extend time between washes, but I have to change them much more frequently or they soak through. DIY Baby Powder for Sensitive Skin If your baby gets rashes like mine, check out my DIY homemade baby powder with healing, natural ingredients. Final Thoughts Cloth diapering doesn’t have to be a huge investment or overly complicated. With just a few essentials and a simplified routine, you can make it work on a budget—without sacrificing your baby’s health or your sanity. Every diaper change saves money, protects your baby’s skin, and reduces toxins in your home. You’ve got this, mama! If this resonated with you, be sure to check out my other parenting posts for more real-life encouragement, practical tips, and heart-centered insights from our family to yours. With love, Tej'a

How to Teach Siblings to Share and Solve Conflicts Without Fighting How I Taught Our Kids to Share Without Fighting My sons had a gaming party at my sister's house recently. She was so impressed with how well behaved they were while sharing the VR headset and how they took turns so peacefully without any intervention by setting up their own timer system. This timer system was an idea I had when they were younger, and it has now become a regular part of their daily life. Every parent has been there—two kids, one special toy or game, and an argument brewing. Arguing leads to big emotions, tears, or hitting depending on the season you're in. With 2 boys who enjoyed a lot of the same things, this became a regular occurrence in our house that required constant interventions and peace talks. As they got a little older I came up with a solution that has been a complete game changer for us. I don't believe in buying more items to end fights, instead I opted to teach our kids how to share fairly by helping them create their own time-sharing system. I wanted my kids to develop skills that would serve them for life: patience, teamwork, and self-regulation - not to run to the store and buy stuff to fix problems. This timer system has completely changed the way our kids handle turn-taking, fairness, and problem-solving—so much so that they now do it completely on their own, without adult intervention needed. How to Implement This in Your Home Step 1: Include Your Kids in the Decision-Making Instead of enforcing a rule, start a discussion: "How long do you think is fair for each turn?" "How long are you willing to wait for your turn?" "What happens if the timer goes off and someone doesn’t switch?" They will feel more invested in the solution when they help create it. With my kids, I provided input where needed, but ultimately, they learned to weigh both perspectives and decide on their own rules—which made them much more likely to respect the system. Step 2: Use a Timer to Keep It Fair Let the kids set the timer themselves. Once time is up, they switch without complaints (after some practice with Mom's help)—because they helped choose the time limit. The timer eliminates the need for a referee (you!) since the system is neutral and agreed upon. Step 3: Stay Consistent Until It Becomes Automatic At first, you may need to remind them to use the timer—but if you stay consistent, they will eventually self-regulate without your involvement. Now, our kids rarely need me to settle disputes when it comes to sharing, from computer gaming time to a fun new toy—they default to the timer system and have their own meeting to set the terms they both feel comfortable with for the situation at hand. Why This System Works: The Core Lessons It Teaches 1. Teaches Kids Problem-Solving & Collaboration Instead of me dictating the rules, they work together to find a fair solution. This helps them develop: Negotiation skills The ability to see another perspective A sense of fairness that considers both parties 2. Promotes Self-Regulation & Patience By setting their own reasonable time limits, they learn to: Manage their own expectations Wait their turn calmly without frustration Feel more in control of the process 3. Reinforces Teamwork & Cooperation This system removes the “winner vs. loser” mentality that often causes fights. Instead of competing, they work as a team to make the system function fairly for everyone. 4. Builds Emotional Intelligence & Reduces Entitlement Many kids expect parents to solve their arguments for them—or they assume that getting another item is the solution. Instead, our system teaches them: How to manage emotions during conflict That fairness is about balance, not just “getting what you want” To appreciate and share what they have, instead of expecting more This method has completely transformed the way our kids handle conflict—both at home and in new environments. Whether they’re gaming, playing, or using shared resources, they instinctively work together instead of against each other. And the best part? A lot less fighting, complaining, and tears - and Mom no longer needing to step outside to breathe for a few minutes before her head explodes. You can check out more of my posts ranging from my natural health recovery to DIY natural products here!

Easy gluten-free banana bread with hidden veggies! Kid-approved, blender-ready, and naturally sweetened with maple or honey. Hi friends! I'm Tej’a—wife, mom, and the face behind West Texas Soap Co., where I create natural products, healthy recipes, and share real-life healing journeys. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s been a hit in our house for years: my blender banana bread. It’s naturally sweetened, 100% gluten-free, and includes a secret ingredient that even picky eaters won’t notice—zucchini or squash! Yep. This one checks all the boxes: healthy, nourishing, affordable, and EASY. This is a great make-ahead breakfast (paired with healthy fats and proteins) or snack, and honestly, it disappears fast in my house—my 10-year-old would eat the whole loaf if I let him! 🍌 Why This Banana Bread Is Different (and Better!): ✅ Gluten-Free  (uses oats instead of flour) ✅ No refined sugar —sweetened with maple syrup or honey ✅ Hidden veggies —zucchini or yellow squash blends in completely ✅ Blender-only recipe  = no mess and no bowls ✅ Kid-approved texture and flavor ✅ Budget-friendly ingredients This banana bread is also a sneaky way to get in fruits and veggies, especially when they’ve turned their nose up at squash every other way. If you’re on a gut healing journey, avoiding refined sugars, or simply trying to eat more whole foods, this one’s a winner. 🍞 Recipe: Healthy Banana Bread with Hidden Veggies Ingredients: 3 medium overripe bananas (frozen & thawed works too—drain excess liquid!) 3 large eggs 2½ cups oats (rolled or quick oats) 1½ tsp baking soda Pinch of sea salt ¾ cup pure maple syrup, honey, or a mix of both 1 tsp vanilla extract Pinch of cinnamon 1 medium zucchini or yellow squash, peeled and shredded or chopped Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend until smooth (batter will be runny). Pour into a parchment-lined loaf pan (don’t skip the parchment!). Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in the pan until you can handle it, then remove and let finish cooling on a towel on the counter. Slice and serve with salted butter. So good! ( Read my blog on why you need fat to see the science on why we love and enjoy real butter!) Bonus tip:  You can also make these into muffins—just pour the batter into a lined muffin tin and reduce baking time to around 20–25 minutes. They also freeze great! 🥣 A Note on Texture: If you're new to gluten-free baking, the texture might feel a bit different while it's still warm. Let it cool completely—this helps it set up properly and slice beautifully. It’s dense, moist, and delicious. 🧼 Want to Live More Naturally? This recipe fits perfectly into the lifestyle we embrace at West Texas Soap Co.—simple, effective, and made from real ingredients. If you love this banana bread, you might also enjoy: DIY All-Natural Baby Powder Recipe (Gentle + Healing) My Natural Healing Journey: How Food Changed Our Life DIY Natural Laundry Soap (No Soap Grating!) Want to support the blog? Check out my natural shop   filled with handmade wellness products like soaps and skincare. All products are made and shipped by me! Or simply spread the word by sharing one of my blogs with a friend!

DIY Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin | Natural, Non-Toxic & Multi-Purpose Cleaner Learn how to make ultra-effective, sensitive skin safe laundry soap with no grating & no toxins—just clean clothes & huge savings! 🧼 Bonus Use: This DIY laundry soap also doubles as a powerful scrub for sinks, tubs, and toilets—just pair with natural dish soap! 🧺 Why Switch to Natural Laundry Soap? As a natural products maker and founder of West Texas Soap Co., I’ve used this exact laundry soap recipe for years — both in my home and in the products I sell. It’s gentle, effective, and completely natural, making it a perfect fit for sensitive skin, cloth diapers, baby clothes, and even greasy workwear. Laundry soap is one of the first items I tell people to switch in their home if they are suffering from any health issues or hope to prevent health issues. It is used on your clothes, bedding, and towels, you are in contact with it 24/7, inhaled, and absorbed through the skin. Many mainstream liquid laundry detergents, including those marketed as “gentle” or “baby safe,” often contain synthetic fragrances, preservatives, and surfactants that have been flagged by ingredient safety organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) due to their link to developmental delays, endocrine disruption, reproductive health effects, and more. See their report on ingredients found in leading newborn laundry soap here or type your favorite laundry soap brand into the search box to see the safety level. Some states have even taken steps to restrict certain chemical ingredients due to environmental or health concerns. That’s why I use this powdered laundry soap recipe: simple, non-toxic, affordable, and free from questionable additives. No messy soap grating required. Just real, accessible ingredients that get the job done — without compromising your family’s health or your peace of mind. It's the easiest ways to cut daily toxins, protect sensitive skin, and even save money! 💸 Huge Savings for Families (Without Sacrificing Health) With the rising cost of everything, this simple laundry powder can save your family hundreds of dollars per year. Unlike many DIY recipes, this one does not require grating soap bars (messy and unnecessary!). You’ll only need 1 tablespoon per load—seriously, a little goes a long way. It’s safe for: Sensitive skin Cloth diapers Mechanic grime & tough stains Everyday laundry needs 🫧 My Exact DIY Natural Laundry Soap Recipe Ingredient Amount Benefits Washing Soda 1 cup Boosts cleaning power, softens water, breaks down grime and oils. Baking Soda 1 cup Neutralizes odors, softens water, gently lifts dirt and stains. Epsom Salt (plain) 1/3 cup Helps deodorize, softens water, and reduces mineral buildup. Sea Salt 1.5 tablespoons Naturally abrasive for stain-fighting, water-softening, and fabric freshening. Essential Oil (optional) 10 drops (peppermint/lavender) Deodorizes during washing (scent won't linger after drying). 📝 Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix with spoon slowly in a well-ventilated area (powder in the air from mixing vigorously can irritate nose/throat). Store in a jar with a tablespoon scoop. Use 1 tablespoon per load—add directly to the washer before  clothes. For tough stains, you can use 1.5 tablespoons, but no more. 🧼 Pro Tips: For a scent boost after washing, add a few drops of essential oil to wool dryer balls or a clean old washcloth you don't mind staining in the dryer. Pair with 1/3 cup white vinegar in the rinse cycle for extra soft, fresh laundry. Or simply add in the beginning for a cleaner fresher load. This laundry powder doubles as a powerful sink, tub, and toilet cleaner when used with natural dish soap (Ecos Free & Gentle is a favorite). Be cautious on delicate surfaces—its scrubbing power can be too much for scratch-prone materials. Always wear gloves when cleaning with it to avoid skin irritation. 🔢 Cost Per Load Breakdown: 🧼 DIY Laundry Soap Cost Breakdown (based on Walmart prices) 📌 Ingredients & Costs: Washing Soda  – $5.39 for 55 oz→ 1 cup = ~8 oz  → Cost per batch: ~$0.78 Baking Soda  – $1 for 16 oz (1 lb)→ 1 cup = ~8 oz  → Cost per batch: ~$0.50 Epsom Salt  – $4 for 64 oz (4 lb)→ 1/3 cup = ~4 oz  → Cost per batch: ~$0.25 Sea Salt  – $3.20 for 26 oz→ 1.5 tbsp = ~1 oz  → Cost per batch: ~$0.12 Essential Oils (optional)  – price varies (minimal per batch) 🧮 Total Cost per Batch: $0.78 + $0.50 + $0.25 + $0.12 = $1.65 total Each batch yields around 32 tablespoons , since 1 cup = 16 tbsp. ➡️ Cost per Load: 1 tablespoon per load = ~$0.05 (5 cents) If using ½ tbsp extra for heavy loads: still under 7–8 cents per load . 💰 Compare to Store-Bought: DIY detergent  = 5–8¢ per load Tide/Dreft/commercial detergents  = 20–30¢+ per load 🧺 You save 3–5x per load , and get a healthier, natural alternative! 🌿 Cleaner Clothes, Cleaner Life This simple recipe helps you ditch harsh chemicals, save money, and still enjoy fresh, clean clothes—even on a tight budget. With no grating, no gooey mess, and no mystery ingredients, it’s one of my all-time favorites. 👉 Shop My Pure Essential Oil Blends as well as my other handmade by me natural products [ Click Here ]

The Truth About Fat: Why It’s Essential for Your Health and Weight Loss For decades, we were told fat was the enemy. My personal healing journey and science proves that healthy fats support weight loss, brain function, hormone health, and prevents a wide range of diseases. If you haven’t already, be sure to read my previous blog post  where I share our (me and my husband) personal story of chronic illness, misdiagnoses, and how we finally found the path to healing. Everything I share here I have put into practice for our family and have seen the life changing results first hand! The Fat-Free Lie: How We Got It Wrong The low-fat movement, which took off in the 1970s and 1980s, convinced people that eating fat led to weight gain, high cholesterol, and heart disease. The result? A massive increase in obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disorders. An entire generation that fears butter, eggs, and full-fat dairy. A food industry that replaced healthy fats with seed oils, refined sugar, and artificial additives. But what if everything we’ve been told about fat is wrong? Modern research now confirms that dietary fat is not only healthy—it’s essential for survival. For those still believing all of the old marketing, check this out: A 2010 meta-analysis in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition  found no significant evidence that saturated fat (like butter, cheese, and other animal sources of fat) increases heart disease risk. ( Source ) How Low-Fat Diets Created a Health Crisis The low-fat movement led food manufacturers to replace fat with processed carbohydrates, sugar, artificial ingredients, and worst of all - seed oils. Removing fat made food less satisfying, leading people to overeat. Refined carbs caused blood sugar spikes, increasing the risk of diabetes. Artificial ingredients introduced chemicals into our diets that harm metabolism. This shift backfired spectacularly, leading to an explosion of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Here is some science that backs this up: Howard et al. (2006)  – "Low-Fat Dietary Pattern and Weight Change Over 7 Years: The Women’s Health Initiative Dietary Modification Trial"  (JAMA) -A large-scale study that found no significant weight loss over 7 years in women following a low-fat diet , challenging the idea that reducing fat leads to weight loss. Ludwig et al. (2018)  – "Dietary fat: From foe to friend?"  (Science) -Argued that low-fat diets can contribute to obesity and metabolic disease  by increasing hunger and promoting blood sugar fluctuations. Why Fat is Essential for Your Health Your body needs fat to function properly. It plays a crucial role in: 1. Hormone Production Your body requires dietary fat to produce essential hormones like: Estrogen (needed for reproductive health) Testosterone (important for muscle growth and mood) Cortisol (regulates stress and metabolism) A study in the Journal of Urology found that low-fat diets can decrease testosterone levels, impacting energy, mood, and more.  (Source) 2. Brain Health Did you know that your brain is nearly 60% fat? Healthy fats—especially omega-3 fatty acids—support: Cognitive function Memory and learning Protection against dementia and Alzheimer’s A 2015 review in Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids  confirmed that omega-3s play a crucial role in brain health including memory, learning, cognitive well being, as well as possibly preventing or delaying neurodegenerative conditions like alzheimers.  (Source) Did you know that some leading experts are now referring to Alzheimer's disease as 'Type 3 Diabetes' due to its' profound correlation with dietary caused insulin resistance and insulin dysfunction in the brain? 3. Cellular Function & Nutrient Absorption Every cell membrane in your body is made of fat, allowing for proper nutrient absorption and cellular communication. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble, meaning they require fat to be absorbed and used by the body. How Eating Fat Helps You Lose Weight It may seem counterintuitive, but eating fat helps your body burn fat. Why? When you consume healthy fats, your body: Receives a signal that food is abundant, so it doesn’t need to store extra body fat. Stays full longer, reducing cravings and overeating. Burns fat for fuel, rather than relying on carbohydrates for energy. I have had people follow my dietary suggestions before on greatly increasing their healthy fats. They were SUPER skeptical and said it made no sense and was against everything they learned but that they'd try it. They were shocked... they started leaning out even though they didn't increase their activity, they were sleeping better, had less brain fog and more consistent energy, and less dramatic hunger spikes that leads to a lot of processed food high carb snacking. This has worked for me and those that I have counseled. It feels wrong because of all the ads we've been inundated with since we were children, but keep in mind that since the beginning of civilization humanity ate an abundance of healthy fats and had little to no obesity! The Best Fats to Eat (and the Ones to Avoid) Not all fats are created equal. The Best Healthy Fats These natural, minimally processed fats are the best for brain health, hormone balance, and weight management: Animal Fats – butter, tallow, lard, meat with the fat & skin, cheese, etc. Coconut Oil – Rich in MCTs, boosts brain function 100% Olive Oil - make sure seed oils aren't in the ingredients Avocado Oil – great for high-heat cooking & homemade mayo Nuts & Seeds – Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds Avocados The Fats to Avoid Industrial Seed Oils  – Soybean, canola, corn, cottonseed Hydrogenated Oils  – Found in margarine, shortening, processed snacks Artificial Trans Fats  – Increase heart disease risk A 2008 study in Experimental Biology and Medicine  found that a high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio from industrial seed oils increases inflammation and chronic disease risk.  (Source) Expeller cold pressed seed oils aren't nearly as problematic, but those are rare. Most seed oils are high heat processed, high chemical processed, rancid, high inflammatory foods and should be absolutely avoided. There is an amazing documentary on this with a lot about the science and explains why seed oils are a HUGE contributing factor to the disease and obesity epidemic in America. It contains medical studies to support their claims and features 2 Medical Doctors and a PhD Investigative Science Journalist. It is available for free here  on Youtube. Final Thoughts: The Truth About Fat For too long, we’ve been misled about the role of fat in our health. Fat does NOT make you fat. Fat is essential for brain function, hormones, and metabolism. The real culprits behind obesity and disease are sugar, processed carbs, and industrial seed oils. If you want better energy, brain function, and long-term health, it’s time to ditch the fat-free mindset and embrace healthy fats again.

Learn to craft personalized essential oil blends for better sleep, stress reduction, headache relief, improved breathing, and enhanced immunity. I have been making my own essential blends for several years, and a few years ago I started including them in my natural products business. The customers came back with all the reviews! They were feeling and seeing the benefits from my products including the powerful effects of the essential oil blends I was using! These are some of my customer's favorite blends that I have used throughout the years and now I am ready to share the all with you! Crafting Your Blends ​For each blend, use 100% pure essential oils. Some reputable brands that are affordable are Now and Healing Solutions. Always perform a patch test before topical application. ​ These blends can be put into a diffuser, bath salts, DIY Bath Bombs (recipe here!), or diluted in a carrier oil and used topically. 🌙 Slumber Blend (For Sleep) If you're struggling to fall asleep, this calming blend will have you drifting off in no time! 😴 Cedarwood : Known for its grounding and sedative properties, cedarwood promotes relaxation and helps reduce anxiety. Lavender : One of the most popular essential oils for sleep, lavender helps to calm the mind, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality. 👉  DIY Recipe : 5 drops Cedarwood 5 drops Lavender Simply add this blend to your diffuser before bed and unwind in a calming, peaceful atmosphere. You’ll wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day! 🌙 🌿 Stress Release Blend (For Stress Relief) Need to unwind after a busy day? This stress-busting blend will help you feel calm and centered. 🧘‍♀️ Bergamot : A citrusy oil that promotes relaxation, helps reduce stress, and boosts mood. Lavender : A calming oil that eases anxiety and promotes tranquility. Ylang Ylang : Known for its uplifting properties, this oil helps reduce tension and emotional stress. Lemon : Adds a refreshing, uplifting aroma that clears the mind and lifts the spirits. 👉  DIY Recipe : 3 drops Bergamot 3 drops Lavender 3 drops Ylang Ylang 1 drop Lemon Perfect for a post-work relaxation session or during stressful moments! 🌱💆‍♀️ 💆‍♂️ Head Relief Blend (For Headaches) If you suffer from tension headaches, this soothing blend is just what you need. ✨ Lavender : Helps relieve headaches by easing tension and calming the nervous system. Peppermint : Known for its cooling effect, peppermint helps reduce head and neck tension. Frankincense : Supports deep breathing and calms the mind, reducing stress-related headaches. Rosemary : Improves circulation and relieves pain associated with tension headaches. 👉  DIY Recipe : 2 drops Lavender 3 drops Peppermint 2 drops Frankincense 2 drops Rosemary Add a few drops to a rollerball, and apply it to your collar bone, temples, and neck for instant relief. 💆‍♀️ 🌬️ Breathe Blend (For Congestion) Breathe easy with this clearing blend that helps open up the airways. Perfect for colds, allergies, or seasonal changes. 🌼 Peppermint : Known for its cooling properties, peppermint helps relieve congestion and promotes clear breathing. Eucalyptus : A powerful decongestant that clears the sinuses and helps with respiratory issues. Tea Tree : With its antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil fights off pathogens and promotes better air quality. Lemon : Helps cleanse the air and reduces inflammation, promoting easier breathing. 👉  DIY Recipe : 3 drops Peppermint 3 drops Eucalyptus 3 drops Tea Tree 1 drop Lemon Diffuse in your home or apply topically to your chest for instant relief. 🌿 🛡️ Health & Wellness Blend (For Immune Support) Boost your immunity with this powerful blend, perfect for protecting your body against seasonal bugs. 🍋💪 Eucalyptus : Helps stimulate the immune system and clear respiratory congestion. Lemon : Known for its detoxifying and immune-boosting properties. Lavender : Soothes and calms, helping to keep stress levels in check while your immune system works its magic. Frankincense : Strengthens the immune system and promotes overall well-being. 👉  DIY Recipe : 2 drops Eucalyptus 2 drops Lemon 2 drops Lavender 2 drops Frankincense Diffuse this blend in your home to fight off germs, or apply it topically to the soles of your feet or inside your wrists daily. 🍃💧  Shop Our Pure Essential Oil Blends Want to experience these benefits with the convenience of pre-made blends? Check out our pure, high-quality essential oils—perfect for your diffuser, bath time, or DIY rollerballs. 🌿 Shop Now! Check out more of my DIY Natural Product posts here!

Cutting Out Processed Foods: The First Step in Our Healing Journey Ultra-processed foods are linked to obesity, inflammation, and chronic disease. Learn why we cut out 95% of processed foods, switched to a whole-foods-based diet, and how it transformed our health. Continuing Our Health Journey: The First Step to Healing If you haven’t already, be sure to read our previous blog post  where we share our personal story of chronic illness, misdiagnoses, and how we finally found the path to healing. The above pictures show me after my first baby at 21 year old, and then after my 3rd baby 13 years later. What grabs my attention more than anything is the vitality in my eyes now. I can clearly see the inflammation, brain fog, tiredness, and growing disease just in my eyes in the first picture. This is especially interesting since my 3rd baby was colicky and I had a very poor sleep postpartum, plus I am much older now. According to standard ideas I should look worse in my recent photo. But that is clearly not the case. So what changed? What is the main factor that makes me look younger, healthier, and more energetic and vibrant now than I did 13 years ago? The simple answer is that I cut out ultra processed food and drinks and started eating real food. This blog marks the first step in mine and my husband's healing journey: cutting out 95% of all processed foods and drinks. It was one of the most profound changes we made, and the health improvements were undeniable. In this post, we’ll break down the serious health risks of processed foods, how they hide in everyday meals, what we eat now, and why a whole-foods-based diet changed everything for us. The Hidden Dangers of Processed Foods The standard American diet is largely made up of highly processed, nutrient-deficient, and inflammation-causing foods, snacks, and drinks, yet many people still don’t realize just how many hidden processed ingredients they are consuming daily. Even when we try to make healthy choices, many times we are still consuming tons of processed ingredients. Consider the ingredient list on a standard salad dressing bottle or carton of oat milk. There is a long list of inferior, highly processed ingredients, many with names we do not know. Now if we look at something like milk, beef, an egg, or spinach, they all contain 1 ingredient - a simple whole food packed with nutrient diversity and many health benefits. Peer-Reviewed Studies on Processed Foods & Health Decline I know from personal experience how dramatically different my body feels and behaves when I am eating a lot of processed foods, and the same goes for my husband, but to drive the point home here are some studies that give some additional information on how processed foods hurt you. Here are just a few of the scientifically-backed dangers of processed food consumption: Obesity & Weight Gain:  A study published in Cell Metabolism  found that people consuming an ultra-processed diet ate more calories and gained more weight compared to those eating whole, unprocessed foods ( source ). I can tell you from experience that part of the reason this happens is because processed foods pack more calories into less food. Plus, the companies make the food highly addictive so you eat more of it, and the ingredients do not support your body's ability to maintain a naturally healthy weight. For example, A McDonald's Big Mac Meal is roughly 1120 calories. In comparison, a homemade teriyaki chicken veggie rice bowl can come in at around 800 calories if you pair it with glass of water instead of soda. Not only is the rice bowl less calories, but those calories are far higher in nutrient density and diversity and do not contain ingredients that can cause inflammation, fat storage, and illness down the line. Chronic Inflammation:  Research in the British Medical Journal  linked ultra-processed foods to increased inflammation markers, which contribute to diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders ( source ). Increased Mortality Risk:  A study from JAMA Internal Medicine  found that higher consumption of processed foods increases the risk of early death ( source ). The food industry has designed addictive, hyper-palatable foods loaded with refined sugars, seed oils, and artificial additives—all of which hijack hunger cues and contribute to nutritional deficiencies and long-term health problems. Where Processed Foods Hide in Your Diet Many people think they eat "healthy" simply because they don’t eat fast food daily. However, processed ingredients sneak into common foods, including: Salad dressings and jarred sauces (even fancy spaghetti sauce!)  – Contain inflammatory seed oils, artificial flavoring, and added refined sugar. Breakfast cereals & granola bars (yes even those claiming to be heart healthy)  – Marketed as "healthy" but loaded with refined grains, seed oils, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives. Flavored yogurts  – Often contain more sugar than soda and synthetic additives. Plant-based meat and milk alternatives, coffee creamers  – Heavily processed with seed oils, soy protein isolates, and artificial flavor enhancers, not to mention a terrifyingly long list of strange ingredients. I usually recommend Lactaid Milk, Goat Milk, or A2 Milk for those with lactose intolerance instead of plant milks. Though there are some healthier plant milks they can be tricky to find and many of the labels are misleading. For our coffee creamer we just use whole milk frothed with sweetened condensed milk, it tastes like marshmallow fluff and only contains 2 ingredients! Packaged shelf and frozen foods, even those marketed as healthy  – Many are just ultra-processed junk foods in disguise. Unless they are pure frozen fruits, vegetables, or meats, we usually avoid them. Margarine, vegetable oils - Just straight up all bad. Seed oils are one of the biggest contributors to the health decline in America which is now spreading to the rest of the world. Simply look at pictures of public locations before the heavy push of seed oils into the American Diet starting in the 1950s, versus a public location now. Obesity and nearly all disease sky rocketed after the push for seed oils and the demonizing of animal fats. A great documentary to provide more information on this topic is available for free here on Youtube. It contains medical studies to support their claims and features 2 Medical Doctors and a PhD Investigative Science Journalist. Store bought bread, crackers, chips, and other snacks - finding a healthy version of these items at the store is a lot harder than you think. The organic and healthy labels make it even more confusing. We just avoid these all together and only save these items for special fun occasions.  Most brands are packed with refined grains, seed oils, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives. Allowing these items as a large part of your diet can be much more damaging to your health than you realize, especially to your insulin levels. There is now a growing number of doctors that are offering real diet solutions that are reversing their patient's Type 2 Diabetes. A quick Google search will show many youtube videos by MD's who are doing it effectively as well as testimonies from patients who have been successful on their own with these changes such as this one here . Type 2 Diabetes is a diet caused disease, and is a disease that can be reversed by diet as well. Many of the changes the experts suggest are related to removing many of the foods above, as they are damaging to the body's natural ability to balance insulin. Switching to Real Food We transitioned to a whole-food, nutrient-dense diet focused on real, time-tested foods. Instead of relying on boxed, packaged, and pre-made meals, we started cooking from scratch with simple, whole ingredients. Here’s what that looks like: ✅ High quality meat made at home  ✅ Healthy fats – We replaced seed oils with real butter, ghee, olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, and animal fats. ✅ Pure dairy and eggs  ✅ Homemade sauces & dressings – Avoiding processed additives by making our own. ✅ Rice, Potatoes, Oats, Grits, Homemade Sourdough Breads and Baked Goods, Brown Rice Noodles (we are a gluten intolerant family) - All in moderation and always paired with protein and healthy fats for balanced blood sugar. ✅ Our Snacks now consist of nuts, homemade granola, fruit, dried fruit, and homemade popcorn (not microwave bags) with ghee or melted butter and salt. ✅ No more processed junk allowed in the house including store bought cereal and granola bars. I make homemade dessert once every couple of weeks with real ingredients, and in between we limit refined sugar to our bi-weekly treat. We have pure chocolate bars on hand for the days in between when we are craving a sweet, with a strict allowance on how much is allowed per day. The rest of the time we have fruit or healthy baked goods made with maple syrup, honey, and nutritious ingredients. ✅ No more eating out. We are only allowed 1 meal a week to be processed or restaurant food. And super junk food is allowed about once a month. This limits our seed oils as they are in almost every single food out there including nice restaurants. This also makes it a fun occasion and we enjoy the food even more when we get to indulge! You have never tasted how good a Cheeto truly is until you limit it to only once a month, even the kids agree! This list can go on to include pure beans, lentils, grains, and more, but I think you get the point. The closer we get to food that resembles what humans have eaten for centuries, the healthier we become. By focusing on real food, our health started to transform rapidly. One of the biggest hurdles to overcome was the food addiction that has been programmed into our biology by these processed foods, so that is why we have rules and allowances to make sure we stay on track with our health and don't allow the addictions to vote on how our future health looks. Packaged vs. Homemade: A Shocking Nutrition Comparison Not all meals are created equal. Here’s how a homemade lasagna made with real ingredients stacks up against a processed, packaged option. Packaged Frozen Lasagna (Typical Store-Bought) Calories:  ~450 per serving Protein:  ~18g Fat:  ~20g (mostly from seed oils and processed cheese) Nutrients:  Low in fiber, vitamins, and minerals; high in sodium Added Ingredients:  Contains preservatives, artificial flavors, emulsifiers, refined grains, and seed oils Homemade Lasagna (Ground Turkey, Real Cheese, and Traditional Noodles) Calories:  ~500 (varies) Protein:  40g+ (high-quality protein from turkey and real cheese) Fat:  Healthy fats from real cheese and olive oil (healthy fats are a game changer for your health and natural fat loss!) Nutrients:  Higher in vitamins, minerals, and fiber from whole food ingredients Added Ingredients:  None—made with whole, real ingredients The packaged lasagna is the perfect recipe for inflammation, stored fat, and future disease. Even though both meals are lasagna, the homemade version provides better-quality protein, healthy fats, and no artificial additives, preservatives, or seed oils compared to the packaged one. Final Thoughts: Processed Foods & Health Recovery Cutting out 95% of processed foods was one of the biggest steps in our healing process. Once we replaced ultra-processed, artificial foods with whole, natural ingredients, we noticed: ✔ More energy & reduced fatigue ✔ Less inflammation & joint pain ✔ Stable blood sugar & fewer cravings ✔ Better digestion & gut health ✔ Improved mood & mental clarity ✔Body weight effortlessly balancing to a healthy level. Healing doesn’t have to be complicated—it starts with real food. __________________ If any part of my story resonated with you—if you’re tired of being dismissed, frustrated with endless prescriptions, or simply looking for answers—I invite you to keep exploring. I’ve written ad continue to write other blog posts that dive deeper into the exact steps I took to heal my gut, reduce inflammation, calm my nervous system, and so much more. You can  click here to explore more natural health topics  and start walking the same path toward healing. New blogs added weekly! And if you're looking for safe, gentle products to support your journey from the outside in, I create small-batch natural products for bath, body, and home right here at  West Texas Soap Co.  Everything I make is inspired by this journey—focusing on ingredients that don't further toxify the body and instead promote natural wellness.  Visit the shop here  and know that you’re not alone in this. Healing is possible.

Make this easy DIY baby powder with zinc oxide, oat flour, and bentonite clay—talc-free and perfect for sensitive baby skin. Calms diaper rash and keeps skin dry. 👶 DIY Healing Baby Powder for Sensitive Skin (Talc-Free & Nourishing) My first two kids, both boys, had 0 diaper rashes their entire babyhood despite using conventional diapers and wipes with them as I wasn't yet educated on the benefits of natural living. But baby #3, my sweet girl, is very susceptible to rashes even in all natural cloth diapers and wipes. This recipe was created out of desperation to try and heal her chronic diaper rashes with the most healing ingredients I had on hand that I could pack into one powder. It has been a miracle worker for her and I hope it is just as helpful for your baby. This soothing, talc-free baby powder is also a gentle and effective natural remedy for adults dealing with chafing, sweat rashes, or skin irritation—making it a versatile staple for the whole family. 🌾 Benefits of Each Ingredient: Cornstarch  – A natural absorbent that helps wick away moisture and prevent chafing. It’s gentle and soothing on even the most tender baby skin. Oat Flour  – Oats are known for their calming, anti-inflammatory properties. This ingredient helps soothe irritation, redness, and itching—perfect for diaper rash or sweat-prone areas. Zinc Oxide Powder  – This is the key healing hero! Zinc creates a gentle barrier on the skin that protects against moisture and promotes fast healing. It’s the same ingredient in most natural diaper rash creams, but here, it’s in powder form. Bentonite Clay  – Draws out impurities, absorbs excess moisture, and supports the skin's natural healing process. Especially great for babies with sensitive or rash-prone skin. Recipe: 🌿 Ingredients: 2 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot powder) 1 tbsp oat flour 1/2 tsp zinc oxide powder 1 tbsp bentonite clay In a clean salt shaker, add ingredients together. Cover holes with your hand and shake until thoroughly mixed. Store in a dry place. Use a small amount as needed on clean, dry baby skin. *Avoid using near baby's face or where powder could be inhaled. *Optional: Add a few drops of baby-safe essential oil like chamomile or lavender (but skip this for newborns or ultra-sensitive skin). 🛁 Great for Gifting Too!Package it in a muslin bag with a handwritten tag and you’ve got a sweet, handmade natural baby shower gift with love (and purpose). 🛍️ Love Natural Baby Care? If you enjoy easy, healing recipes like this one, check out my handmade sensitive-skin favorites for the whole family. Each one is made by hand by me with the same care I use for my own babies:👉  Shop Natural Products for Sensitive Skin Check out more of my DIY Natural Product posts here!