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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

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

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 ]

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!

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!

A skin-loving, all-natural bath bomb recipe that's gentle enough for kids and powerful enough to replace lotion. Perfect for dry skin, eczema, sensitive skin, or those trying to go more natural! Though I don't sell them anymore, I am still obsessed with my packaging for them! Soothing, Spa-Like Skin - Straight From Your Tub I have been making and selling these bath bombs with this exact recipe for years now! As I have decided to reduce my product line to something more manageable (I am a single woman team here doing it all!), I am ready to share this recipe with you all for free! My favorite thing about these is that they are 100% natural. Many customers have told me that them or their children have experienced adverse reactions to the many unnatural ingredients found in conventional bath bombs from the store. I don't want you to marinate in a tub full of strange chemicals and dyes. I have had customers with insanely sensitive skin who have only experienced benefits from these like reduced eczema/psoriasis flare ups and healing severely dry skin in adults and children alike! And the best part? No lotion is needed after bath time for the kids or you! You don't know what truly moisturized, brand new, magical skin feels like until you've tried one of these epic bath bombs. Let’s dive into how to make them, why they’re so effective, and how you can tweak the recipe to suit your family’s needs. 🌿 Why These Natural Bath Bombs Are So Good for Your Skin Each ingredient in this recipe serves a purpose—not just for fizz and fun, but for deep nourishment: Coconut Oil (1/2 cup, melted) Rich in fatty acids, coconut oil helps seal in moisture, reduce inflammation, and protect delicate skin barriers—especially important for eczema-prone or sensitive skin. It also gives your skin that buttery-soft feel post-bath. Citric Acid (1 cup) This powerhouse is what makes the bombs fizz, but it also helps gently exfoliate dead skin cells, leaving skin smoother and more radiant. Baking Soda (1 cup) Naturally soothing and softening, baking soda helps balance skin pH, calm irritation, and even provide some detoxifying benefits. Cornstarch (1 cup) This silky powder adds creaminess to your bath water and helps slow down the fizz for a longer soak. It's also naturally soothing and gentle on skin. Essential Oils (1 tsp for adults, 1/2 tsp or less for kids). See my favorite DIY blends here ! Pure, skin-safe essential oils offer therapeutic aroma and topical benefits—lavender for calming, eucalyptus for clearing, or chamomile for soothing sensitive skin. Optional: Mica Powder & Dried Flowers For a beautiful, gift-worthy touch, use natural mica powder for color and skin-safe dried flowers like calendula or rose. Just be mindful of clean-up (tips below!). DIY Bath Bomb Instructions Melt coconut oil and let it cool slightly but stay warm. In a large bowl, mix baking soda, citric acid, and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour the warm coconut oil into the dry mixture while stirring constantly. Add your essential oil(s) and stir to combine. Optional: add mica powder and dried flowers. Mix until the texture feels like damp sand—it should hold together when squeezed. Pack tightly into a bath bomb mold (this takes practice!) or skip the mold and use the mixture as a loose powder in your tub. *This recipe makes 4 standard sized bath bombs or 13 kid sized mini bath bombs. *I like to wear rubber gloves while making these. The abrasive powders can exfoliate your hands too much while working the mix, and the essential oils can get strong on the skin during mixing. 🕒 Don’t Skip the Cure Time! After you pop your bath bombs out of the molds, let them sit out to cure for at least 24 hours. This step allows them to fully dry and harden so they don’t crumble when handled or wrapped. Humidity Tip: If it's raining or humid, delay your cure time or use a dehumidifier in the room. Moisture in the air can cause the bombs to activate prematurely or soften. 📦 How to Wrap & Store Your Bath Bombs Bath bombs made with real, natural oils—like this recipe—will often release a bit of oil over time. For that reason, I don’t recommend wax paper or cardboard, which can soak through and create a mess. The best option is shrink wrap or plastic wrapping, which seals in the moisture and oil without leaks. If they're just for you, simply store them in a glass or plastic container or plastic bag until you're ready to use them. Pro Tip : If you’re gifting them, the molded version is lovely. But for everyday use, tossing 3/4 cup of the powder for adults or 1/4 cup of the powder for kids into the bath is just as beneficial—no molding stress required. ⚠️ A Few Quick Safety & Clean-Up Notes ⚠️ No Polysorbate 80 Here While many bath bomb recipes call for this chemical to prevent oil from sticking to your tub, we leave it out. Why? Even though it’s been deemed safe, we prefer to err on the side of caution—just like we’ve all learned from the talcum powder controversy. Tub Slippery? Here’s the Easy Hack After your bath, the tub will be slipper from the coconut oil so be careful getting out! Simply do a quick wipe-down with a sponge and a squirt of standard dish soap (I prefer a natural dish soap). It only takes 30 seconds and prevents the next shower-goer from slipping. Using Flowers? Keep a fine mesh strainer with a handle near your tub to easily scoop them out before draining. Done and done. 🎁 Great for Gifting These bath bombs make a thoughtful gift for teachers, neighbors, new moms, or hostesses. I like to package mine in a beautiful patterned paper, you can seal with a bow or a wax seal like I've done in the picture at the top, or a muslin sack with a cute tag like I've done below! It is a gift that feels luxurious and personal. 💛 Love the Idea, But Don’t Want to DIY? While I no longer sell my bath bombs, I  do  offer a full range of natural products designed for sensitive, dry, and eczema-prone skin—Every item is made with the same level of care and clean ingredients. Check out each product in the link below to see what customers are saying!👉  Shop All Products Here Check out more of my DIY Natural Product posts here!