This is how I'm cleaning up my lifestyle


2026: The year of clean swaps and lower cortisol

Let's level, the more you dive into the world of non-tox and low-tox living, the more overwhelming it becomes. I made a New Year's goal (not resolution) to make just one clean swap a month for the whole year. It's manageable and I'm going to share it with you!

Hey there!

I'm no newbie to the world of crunchy, low-tox lifestyles. I've been an eager student for a long time. I'm also not the *most crunchy* person you're going to meet. I'm a normal woman who is working to be conscious of the health of my family.

I only buy organic eggs but I'll still eat a donut fried in vegetable oil on occasion. Does that make sense?

I've slowly made changes to our household and personal care items, but there always seems to be more, more, more...

It can get overwhelming quickly and then what?!

You're left with decision fatigue of where to even begin, so you stall out and keep using that scratched up Teflon pan and plastic spatula to cook your morning eggs, knowing it's slowly poisoning you.

Surely, I'm not the only one who spirals like that?

WE ARE LETTING THAT STRESS GO.

It can be really hard knowing where to start -

Here's how I made an actionable plan to *actually* improve our health without losing my mind.

I made a list of monthly swaps to tackle in 2026. That's just one thing a month. That's doable!!

*Note: I'm somewhere in the middle of my "swaps" journey. I'll share a few things I've already done pre-list to give you a few more ideas of what you can start prioritizing today.

Here's my manageable list of priorities this year:

(in no particular order)

  • Toothpaste - find a fluoride-free paste I love (right now it's Tom's)
  • Deodorant - find an aluminum-free and natural ingredient deodorant that works (right now it's Zebra)
  • Laundry detergent
  • Dishwasher soap
  • Dish soap
  • All-purpose cleaner - find something made with clean, natural ingredients - no bleach
  • Reverse Osmosis water filter - this was my first accomplishment of 2026 and I LOVE IT.
  • All metal and wooden kitchen utensils - no plastic, I've had a few lingering tools
  • Clean ingredient shampoo and conditioner
  • Hanging water filter for baby's bath
  • Plastic free coffee maker - no more microplastics leaking into my hot liquids (the jury is still out on this, I'm leaning percolator)
  • Switch kitchen sponges for natural loofas

That's it. That's one thing a month! I've already accomplished four of these so I'm right on track for April.

You can do this too!

A few other low-entry things I've done to help you get started:

  • Switch all plastic Tupperware to glass
  • Switch all non-stick coated pans to stainless steel and cast iron
  • Switch baking on aluminum foil to unbleached parchment paper
  • Switch plastic cutting boards for wood
  • Buy organic for the dirty dozen
  • Switch wearing/using artificial fragrances for natural

I have a live list below of all the swaps I've made to help you get started.

Clean Swaps for the Everyday Woman

Living List of Clean Swaps

I'm not a "clean influencer," just a normal woman who is working to find better options for my family's lives.

Living List of Books

I'm constantly adding to this list, so come back again and again!

Enter to Win a FREE book or Bible study!

I'm in a close competition to win a contest and I need your help!!

I need your vote on this photo. This is my entry in the competition within our Bible study group.

It would mean the world to me if you would support my entry!

Just to say thank you for voting, I will enter you into my own drawing to win a new book or Bible study of your choice! (valued up to $50).

After you vote, reply to this email with a screenshot of the "Thank you for voting" page and I'll take it from there!

Click the link below and follow the directions from there.

THANK YOU!!!

See what I'm selling!

I have tons of books for sale on Pangobooks! Most are brand new and only a few dollars.

Click below to check out what's for sale!

Wedding/Easter Approved Dresses

I feel like the character in Bridesmaids - "Nine. I took nine."

ICYMI - a steam mop changed my life

In case you missed it, I shared on Instagram that a steam mop changed my life. Yes, that's dramatic but it's so true. This tool has completely changed the way I view mopping. It's as hassle-free as you can get. Hello, it does the scrubbing for you!!

It makes quick mopping after toddler meals feel a breeze. I don't have to load a bucket of water. I don't have to use toxic chemicals. I don't even have to refill the water chamber every time. What a win.

If you want less stress in your life, you need a steam mop. I'm being so serious. Clean floors = Calm mind

You'll thank me.

You can always reply directly to this email if you need a recommendation for something specific or just want to chat!

Thankful for you!

Katelyn

The Bookcase Beauty

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