There's nothing like hopping into a car that smells fresh and inviting. Whether you're heading to work, running errands, or going on a road trip, the scent in your car can totally affect your mood and the whole experience. Luckily, keeping your car smelling awesome isn't a big deal. Here are some easy tips and tricks to help you keep your car smelling great. Add a splash of scent to take your daily drive from ordinary to adventurous! Keep Your Car Fresh with Cleanliness The first step to a nice-smelling car is keeping it clean. Regularly vacuuming the inside, wiping down surfaces, and getting rid of trash can really improve the air quality. Dust and crumbs can pile up and start to smell bad. Vacuum Regularly : At least once a month (or as often as you can manage), vacuum your car's seats and carpet. Don't forget to get between the seats and under the mats. Wipe Surfaces : Use a microfiber cloth with a nontoxic cleaner to wipe down the dashboard, center console, and door panels. This not only cleans but also gets rid of any stale smells. Remove Trash : Toss out any garbage, food wrappers, or empty drink containers. Keeping clutter to a minimum helps get rid of bad smells. Plus, it helps declutter your m The Power of Car Fresheners Car fresheners are a great way to add a long-lasting scent to your ride. There are all kinds available, from sprays to hanging fresheners. Picking the right one can really make a difference. Air Fresheners : Find ones that use nontoxic ingredients for a safe, fun scent. Steer clear of overpowering synthetic smells that can give you headaches. Diffusers : They can spread a gentle scent over time and are usually less intense than regular air fresheners. Gels and Pouches : These are super handy and can be tucked away discreetly, giving off a continuous scent. For a variety of options, think about getting a high-quality car freshener that matches your style. Say hello to your new favorite car freshener! Finding the right scent is key to creating a welcoming vibe. Here are some popular choices: Citrus Scents : Lemon, orange, and grapefruit scents are refreshing and can give you an energy boost. Lavender : Known for its relaxing properties, lavender can help reduce stress, perfect for long drives. Vanilla : This sweet scent brings comfort and warmth, making it cozy. Pine or Fresh Outdoors : These smells can make your car feel like an extension of nature, offering a fresh and clean aroma. Ultimately, the best scent is one that you love. You might even consider switching up scents now and then to keep things interesting. Try a classic scent to add some pizzazz to your trip! Use Natural Remedies If you prefer to avoid any kind of fragrance, here are a few alternatives: Baking Soda : This classic odor absorber can be sprinkled on carpets or under seats. Leave it overnight and vacuum it up for a fresh start. Essential Oils : A few drops on cotton balls can act as a natural air freshener. Place them in your air vents or cup holders for subtle fragrance. Coffee Grounds : Surprisingly, coffee grounds can effectively absorb odors. Place some in an open container and let it sit in your car. Vinegar : A bowl of vinegar can help neutralize smells. Just be careful—make sure it doesn’t spill and clean it up right away if it does. These natural solutions are budget-friendly, eco-friendly, and won’t harm your health. The Role of Ventilation Good ventilation is also key to keeping your car smelling fresh. Stale air can lead to musty odors, so it's important to let fresh air circulate. Maintain Air Systems : Regularly check and replace air filters to ensure that condensation doesn’t build up and create damp smells. Crack Your Windows : When you're parked, especially on a warm day, leave your windows a bit open to let the air flow. This keeps the heat and moisture from building up, which can cause bad smells. Incorporating these changes can lead to a noticeable improvement in the air quality of your vehicle. Make It a Habit To keep your car consistently smelling fresh, it's essential to make these habits a regular part of your car care routine. Here are some suggestions to incorporate: Monthly Deep Clean : Set a reminder to clean and refresh your vehicle monthly. Daily Air Out : Make it a habit to crack your windows open briefly each day. Stay Aware : Pay attention to any smells that pop up. If you notice something unpleasant, tackle it quickly before it becomes a bigger problem. Keeping your car smelling fresh and inviting takes a bit of effort, but it's totally worth it. You'll enjoy your time on the road, and your passengers will love the pleasant vibe. By sticking to these practices, your car can be a welcoming space, helping you relax during your travels and lift your spirits. A little attention to detail can lead to an inviting journey—one where the smell of your car is just as enjoyable as the drive itself.

Understanding Your Fragrance Preferences Choosing between candles and wax melts can be challenging. It often comes down to personal preference. Think about how you typically enjoy scents. Do you want a cozy ambiance with a visible flame, or are you looking for something that can change easily? In this quiz, we will explore your fragrance preferences to help you decide which option may suit you best. Your Fragrance Selection 1. How do you prefer to enjoy fragrance? A) I like a steady, long-lasting aroma that fills the room gradually. B) I prefer quick bursts of fragrance that can be switched out easily. 2. How important is it for you to have a visible flame or ambiance? A) I love the warmth and cozy ambiance a candle flame provides. B) I don’t mind missing the flame but want the scent without the risk of an open flame. 3. How much time do you usually spend on fragrance? A) I enjoy my fragrance throughout the day and want something I can leave burning for hours. B) I only need fragrance for shorter periods, and I enjoy changing up scents frequently. Analyzing Your Results Results: Mostly A's : A Candle might be your best choice! It offers a cozy atmosphere with long-lasting fragrance. Mostly B's : You may prefer Wax Melts , perfect for those who want a quick and easy way to enjoy fragrance with no flame. Benefits of Candles Candles provide a classic fragrance experience. They come in various scents and are often crafted from natural wax. This offers a cleaner burn. When lit, candles create a warm glow. This ambiance enhances the overall atmosphere of any room. Many enjoy reading or relaxing next to a lit candle. They also serve decorative purposes. A beautifully designed candle can be a statement piece in your home. Additionally, candles often release their fragrance slowly. This allows you to enjoy a subtle and lasting scent throughout the day. Safety Note : Keep in mind that candles do have an open flame. Always practice caution, especially around children and pets. Advantages of Wax Melts Wax melts are a fantastic alternative to candles. They do not require a flame, making them safer around children and pets. These scented pieces come in various shapes and scents. You can easily switch them out whenever you want a new aroma. Using wax melts also means no soot or smoke. This provides a cleaner fragrance experience. Simply break a piece off, place it in a warmer, and let it melt. You'll get instant results as the scent fills the space immediately. Energy Savings : Wax warmers often use less energy compared to traditional candles. This not only saves energy but can lower your electricity bill too. Making the Right Choice Ultimately, the decision is personal. If safety and flexibility are your priorities, wax melts might be the best fit. If you cherish the ritual of lighting a candle and the ambiance it creates, then go for it. Consider your lifestyle, your love for scents, and your aesthetic preference. In any case, both candles and wax melts offer wonderful ways to elevate your home fragrance experience. Final Thoughts No matter which option you choose, both candles and wax melts can transform your home. Enjoying your favorite scents should bring joy and relaxation. After all, your space should reflect your personal preferences. Are you leaning more towards candles, or do wax melts catch your interest? Remember, Candle vs. Wax Melt can be more than just a choice; it can influence how you feel at home. So, gather your favorite scents and make your choice today!

What to look for in nontoxic candles- from a crunchy mom + candlemaker     “Clean candles”, “nontoxic candles”- these buzzwords are flying thick right now. And while we love seeing the world catch onto the importance of nontoxic lifestyles, how can we truly know if a product is as safe as it leads us to believe? As a crunchy mom, here are some things I look at to decide if a candle is safe for my family. Manufacturer: if it comes from a name brand, I’m already skeptical, lol… Catch-all phrases: “blend of so-and-so waxes”… If it doesn’t clearly list out the waxes, paraffin is probably lurking in there, too… Made with essential oils: if a candle smells like a donut but says it’s made with essential oils, I’m sorry to burst your donut bubble, but there’s fragrance oil in there, and not just eucalyptus essential oil… While most fragrance oils do indeed have essential oils in them, there are more components at work. As a chandler, I do not share proprietary information, BUT I am very transparent that my candles use fragrance oils. If you see a candle that smells like bubblegum but only lists essential oils, I personally would not be comfortable supporting that company. Paraffin wax: this is an absolute no-go for me. Google defines paraffin wax as: Paraffin wax is classified as a petroleum wax and is derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale through a process called crystallization. It is not considered a natural wax, as it comes from non-renewable sources like petroleum.  Ummm, no thanks!   What to look for instead: The cleanest waxes (in order) would be: ·        Beeswax ·        Pure soy wax ·        Coconut/Soy wax blend (the only “blend” I will use around my family!) Other important items to look for when buying home fragrance products: ·        Cotton, paper, or wooden wicks ·        Natural dyes/mica ·        Most importantly, a company that values and practices transparency! Not sure where to start? * Insert shameless plug * Take a look at our collection of hand poured nontoxic products! After all, I AM a crunchy mom! :)

Wax, wick, a jar and a flame- who knew there was a right (and wrong!) way to burn a candle!!   While we love the idea of simply lighting a candle and not giving it another thought till bedtime, if you want to get the most out of it, here are a few pointers. Trim. The. Wick. Trim. The. Wick. Every. Single. Time. Seriously… Trim the wick. You want it to be about ¼”- any higher will give you a bigger (not better!) flame and soot. Make sure you place your lit candle on a flat surface, away from small hands and paws. Make sure your candle isn’t blowing in the wind- if the flame is dancing around a lot, try to move it to a different spot. A little dancing is ok, but if that poor candle can’t stop dancing it needs help. Dancing flames lead to soot, hotter-than-necessary jars, and your favorite candle that you just spent $16 on disappearing way faster than it should… Try to keep your burn times to 3-4 hours at a time. While it won’t hurt your candle to go longer every once in a while , you get more bang for your buck when you keep the burn time to 3-4 hours. When burning your candle for THE FIRST TIME be sure to let it burn 3-4 hours, NOT LESS. If your candle doesn’t get the proper time to reach a full melt pool (liquid wax goes all the way to the edges of the jar), you may shorten the life of your candle due to the dreaded tunneling (it refuses to melt all the way around the edges). Lastly- whatever you do- don’t forget to blow out the candle! I know this seems to take all the fun out of burning a candle (one more thing to remember, lol!), but I promise - once you do these things (or don't do them!) a few times, it won't take up any extra brain space, you will hardly notice, and your candles will burn better and last longer!

“As a man thinks in his heart, so is he”. Or… You become what you allow your mind to dwell on… Tell me I am not the only one who paused right there to take stock of what my mind hones in on day in and day out, lol… Ok, real talk… When we really slow down and evaluate our thought life, what do we find? We’re worried about the elections coming up, figuring out how to cope with the economy pummeling our bank accounts, maybe the newest iPhone coming out, and way in the back we’ve probably got the BK burger jingle stuck on repeat. Did you know the average American is exposed to around 100 ads per day? 100 different “voices” demanding a slice of your brain power. What if we intentionally detoxed our thought life? What if we spent more time absorbing good things into our minds, and less time listening to the millions of voices vying for our attention? How could that improve our quality of life? We constantly hear about living a low-tox or nontoxic lifestyle, there are millions of supplements to help our bodies perform at peak, and exercise is part of every person’s New Years Resolution. And these things are (usually) good and needed! But… What if we took it a step further? Personally speaking- I always struggled with all the voices around me- my social circle, the talking heads on tv, the abandoned animals commercials... Everything had access and influence in my life, and it was chaotic and confusing… But over the last year I have been led to limit my accessibility, and therefore limit how much I could be swayed in my thinking. Not to say I was led to be a hermit (although some days that does sound appealing!), but more along the lines of being very intentional and careful with who or what I allow to take up space in my thoughts and life. Not gonna lie- it hasn’t always been the easiest path to walk. But mannnnn, have I noticed the difference! I’ve noticed that my attitude is gentler and more patient towards my family. I’ve noticed more stability in my life, especially with my emotions. I’ve noticed more peace, contentment, and happiness! Ok, so that’s all fine, well, and good… But HOW are we supposed to detox and limit our “exposure” to all of the things? Here’s a few ideas I’ve used: Turn off the tv Limit time on social media (this one hurt!) Make dinnertime a N.E.Z. (no-electronics-zone) time for everyone at the table Put.down.the.phone (no, really!) Ok, so now that we’ve got some ideas on how to ELIMINATE our exposure to things that take up valuable brain space, how are we supposed to put good things back INTO our minds (and homes)? Here are some things I have personally implemented: Daily Bible reading/listening (I listen to a daily plan while I make breakfast) Play music vs news (my go-to is worship music as we do chores and classical music while we eat dinner) Practice being ok with quiet (still working on this one, lol) Play scripture softly in the background (I usually have an earbud in while the kids do school) Remember that you don’t have to be all things to all people all the time (it’s ok to NOT answer the phone if you know it’s not an emergency). These lists are by no means exhaustive, and obviously each person is different, but if you truly approach this concept of “freeing up hard drive space” in your mind to allow for more things that truly matter to you and give yourself the time and space to learn these new habits, you’ll be surprised at how your outlook will improve, your days will become more peaceful, and you will find more joy in life. I believe in you, my friend! Now get to work! ♥️

We all love a good origins story- well, here's mine! I have always been a smell-goods girl. I love making a space my own, whether it’s my home, workspace or car. I love being surrounded by fun, happy smells! My all-time favorite, I-feel-rich candles were from Yankee Candle. 😁 After each of my kiddos was born, I gradually got “crunchier”. It started with hours of researching vaccines (this is my own journey, so please, no negative comments! 😘), and then it was finding a cleaner laundry detergent after my son and I both had bouts of eczema. After daughter no.1 was born, I went through months of severe ppd, which eventually launched me into the world of gut health and supplementation. While I was pregnant with daughter no.2 most home fragrances were chopped. 😅 Christmas 2020 my sweet husband gifted me 2 big Yankee candles, but I was so worried about burning them around my itty-bitty baby that I didn’t use them for months, and when I did finally use them, I was so paranoid about how it was polluting my home. And of course, THAT completely took the joy out of burning those candles… 🥺 So, once we found our new routine with 3 littles, I found myself ready to reestablish my identity- not just as a mama of three, but also as a person. I love makeup but wasn’t feeling the draw to dive into that. I can crochet, but don’t have the patience for that unless I’m pregnant, lol. After a friend mentioned she had played around with making a beeswax candle, it hit me… CANDLES!! I love candles!! Why not try my hand at making a good candle that I know is cleaner than Yankee candles, and then I won’t be paranoid to burn it around my kids! 😱😃 This would satisfy my urge to take up a hobby for myself, and fill a void I was feeling about my favorite candles, lol… I spent hours looking for the purest waxes, and even more hours looking for nontoxic fragrance oils (also known as safe synthetics). Hundreds of hours… 😅 Finally I had everything lined up, I had a basic knowledge of how to make a candle, so I went for it… Lemme tell ya, the first 20-30 candles were verrrrry interesting… No, to be super transparent- they sucked... 🤣 But I stuck with it. I missed my home smelling like cookies or apples, and I was determined to learn this stuff... And soon enough I nailed it. My first candle that actually smelled good and burned correctly had me all giddy! And then The Lord opened the door and nudged me through it- I made the leap to make this more than a hobby… After years of working hard at a NM gig, I was super hesitant to do anything like this. I had tried for years to build a “business” and never got anywhere, but this felt different. Even if no one ever wanted these candles, it has been so fulfilling for me to make them for my little family… 🥰 But God has blessed this adventure and led me where I should go. I can’t take any credit for Crunchy Mama Candles, because if it weren’t for my heavenly Abba I would have just kept these candles to myself. 😉

It has always been part of my heart to help bridge the gap between the crunchy and non-crunchy world, specifically for the folks that find themselves still adjusting to a nontoxic lifestyle. As I “leveled up” in the crunchy world, one of the things I missed desperately was a nice-smelling home. That’s part of why I taught myself candle making.  Although diffusing essential oils was nice, it couldn’t replace all the fun scents I was used to smelling like apples, pumpkins, or vanilla. So, if you like your home smelling nice but would rather not have to worry about exposing your family to carcinogens, mutagens, or endocrine disruptors- give Crunchy Mama Candles a follow this week as we explore more of what makes us different. And because I love y’all, I’ll be sharing some of my most used “crunchy” products to help give you an idea of what to start swapping to begin your own low-tox lifestyle! What exactly does crunchy mean?! Sounds like cereal or crackers, lol… Crunchy folks are people who leans toward more natural, holistic ideas and methods in most areas of life. It's the ideology of deciding what is best for your own family, and not relying on the societal "norms". It looks different for each family, but the heart-cry is always the same- doing what we believe is best for our own families. Here’s a fun quiz to see where you land on the crunchy spectrum: https://www.mamanatural.com/how-crunchy-quiz/ Feel free to share your results in the comments! One question I get asked a LOT in the crunchy world is: “What do you use for fragrances?”… Well, while I can’t give you my exact recipe (), I CAN tell you that most of my products use safe synthetic fragrances. These have all been professionally formulated using nontoxic ingredients that comply with California’s Prop 65 (https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/proposition-65-list/)… Because at the end of the day, I use these products around my own little family, and as much as I love each of YOU, these humans will always be my favoritest favorites and I will always do everything in my power to give them the safest environment to thrive in! I know it can be so confusing and kinda frustrating to begin swapping out your normal household items for cleaner options… I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve poured over brands, and items, and ingredient labels. So here’s a quick list of my household staples! Take a peek, and maybe try swapping out one thing at a time, as you finish your current product. Shampoo/Conditioner/Body Wash - Shampoo: https://a.co/d/cKeU6bx - Conditioner: https://a.co/d/7aA9Kd2 - Body Wash: https://a.co/d/25cHOL3 - Baby Wash: https://a.co/d/bOnWP7V - 2-in-1: https://a.co/d/3uPZVBe Household Cleaner - Branch Basics: https://branchbasics.com Diaper Balm - Calendula Salve (also works as moisturizer and lotion!) https://www.crunchymamacandles.com/produc.../calendula-salve Have a product you’d like a crunchy swap suggestion for?? Comment below! Another great way to begin your crunchy/scrunchy journey is to find some local farmers markets! Two of our FAVORITE places to go in the Conroe area are Wholesome Living Dairy for delicious raw guernsey milk, and Twisted T Farm for scrumptious homemade jams, jellies, pickles, and fresh veggies! Whether you’re just starting out on your crunchy journey, or you were crunchy before it was cool, there’s nothing like having a solid community to help research, bounce ideas off of, or ask questions. I have been incredibly blessed to find several groups that have been so supportive and full of knowledge. If you’d like to join them, let me know in the comments, and I’ll gladly help you get connected! Till next time, my friends!

In August of last year, I made the decision to increase my prices across the board. It only made sense- the economy is rough, the cost of components has increased, etc. But that was a mistake. Yes, the economy is rough, the cost to make these products has increased- that’s all true. But it was a mistake for me to lose sight of one of the reasons I began my business. When I decided to take candle-making from a hobby to a business I wanted to provide a HIGH QUALITY, clean product with a price tag that the average mom would be comfortable with. I wanted to share a little piece of joy wherever I could, especially for those moms who were just beginning their “crunchy” journey. I allowed outside influences to catch my eye and sway my thoughts from doing good in this world to making more money. Not that making money is wrong- it’s not. But I don’t believe God brought this company into fruition simply to make money. I believe He did it to bring joy, to show in the smallest details that He loves us and provides in the kindest of ways. I’m sorry that I lost sight of this foundational concept. It’s not about the money or making a name for myself. It’s about honoring Jesus in everything I do, including how I do business. I will be updating all shops and websites to reflect our new price list as soon as possible, so please keep an eye out for that. And please know this… Crunchy Mama Candles will NEVER compromise our beliefs, our quality, or our product safety. Jesus is KING, and I will not dishonor my King. I love y’all dearly! Ps. 37:2-9 “Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.”

Here's the inspiration behind one of our best sellers! There is something about rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty. Rewarding. Fulfilling. Today we rolled up the proverbial sleeves (because let's be real- October in South Texas doesn't always mean its actually cool enough for sweaters, lol), roasted a beautiful punkin, peeled and pureed it, and then whipped together the inspiration for our favorite fall candle- pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies! Want the recipe? Click here. Want the candle? Click here!

you can implement NOW! I was 12 years old when I flew for the first time. I was going on a trip with my mom to visit family, flying from Texas to Wisconsin. I remember listening to the flight attendant going over all the protocols, but when she got to the part about the oxygen masks- I couldn't wrap my mind around it. How selfish of someone to put their own mask on first, and not help the person next to them... so I asked my mom. Isn't it better to help the people around us before we take care of our own needs?! Her answer was surprising, and it took me years to realize that the best thing I could do in that situation would be to put my mask on FIRST, because an oxygen deprived Allie wouldn't be as helpful as a breathing one. 😅 Confession: It has taken me quite awhile to embrace the idea that taking care of myself is not necessarily a selfish thing to do. When it comes from a healthy mindset, and has boundaries, self care is a crucial component of a healthy, happy life! As a busy mom, I acknowledge that it can be difficult to find and set aside time to do things for ourselves. But when we don't make that a priority, we lose some of the pizzazz that makes us the spectacular humans that we were created to be. So how can we actually start to implement a few ideas to take better care of ourselves, WITHOUT carving out hours or shucking out moolah??? 😉 Check out these 6 simple things that are budget-friendly or freeee and can be implemented asap. No. 1 - Drink WATER Nope, coffee doesn't count! We're looking for straight up H2O. Aim for half your body weight in ounces per day. Feeling extra?! Dissolves a pinch of Celtic salt on your tongue before drinking a glass for better hydration! No. 2 - Get Some Sun Did you know that vitamin D (aka sunshine) is a necessary vitamin for simple bodily functions like going to the bathroom?! It also helps increase serotonin, so soak up some rays for a free mood booster! No. 3 - Get Grounded Although every parent has joked about being the one who's grounded for a week, that's not quite what we mean. 😂 Grounding (aka earthing) is the practice of realigning your electrical energy by reconnecting with the earth. In layman terms- standing in the grass or dirt with bare feet. Trust us, it feels better than it sounds! 😉 No. 4 - Don't Skip Meals Maybe I'm the only mom who looks up and realizes I've missed lunch... And when I do, I grab the nearest food source (hello kids snacks) and chow down. But when I actually stop to eat lunch, my mood stays balanced, the kids snacks are unharmed, and I don't have to battle guilt for binging on a week's worth of Pringles. 😝 No. 5 - Light A Candle There's something so calming about a beautifully scented candle. With every whiff, I am centered and soothed, and can't help but smile. Aaaaand we happen to know where you get get some awesome ones! 🙃 So remember- life isn't a practice run. Burn the candle. 😘 No. 6 - Turn Up the Tunes What's the one song that gets you swaying? What playlist has you belting out a ballad like no one's watching? Music is known to boost our happy hormones while helping to lower stress hormones, so... Crank. It. Up. 🎵 Cheering you on, my friend!

Should you use essential oil candles in your home? No doubt you've heard at least one person mention the hazards of burning traditional candles, and how they are chock full of harmful toxins that fill your home (and lungs) as you burn them. You may have even heard them suggest finding candles scented with essential oils, touting them as a safer alternative to those store-bought candles. But are essential oil candles truly as safe as people believe they are? What do essential oil manufacturers say? During our research and development stage, we reached out to one of the leading essential oil manufacturers to see if they had any advice or guidance on using essential oils in candles. We were rather surprised with their quick response. A straightforward reply of "We do not recommend burning essential oils in candles" left us questioning everything we had planned thus far. But why not? What makes it so hazardous to burn essential oils? Glad you asked! A simple explanation as to why we believe it's best to avoid essential oil candles: when some essential oils are heated, the compounds can be damaged, completely changing the chemical composition of the oil. When candles are poured, the temperature of the wax ranges from 185*-200*, much hotter than the recommended temperature of 98* (the average body temperature). Soy wax needs to be heated to 185* in order to allow any fragrance oils to bind with the wax, otherwise the candle will not properly perform. Since we are not licensed aromatherapists and don't have unlimited time to test each formulation, we thought it wise to not "play with fire" (pun intended) and leave that to those that have the knowledge and skill to create quality fragrances. Our fragrance oils have been formulated by candle scientists to ensure the safest performance possible, giving you peace of mind knowing your loved ones aren't being exposed to harmful toxins while you still get to enjoy your favorite candles. So, what's the best non-toxic candle? If you take a moment to research, you'll see that beeswax is the cleanest-burning wax available, with pure soy wax coming in second. Unfortunately, beeswax can be on the pricier side, so we decided to go with soy wax. That's why our soy wax is the purest available, free from additives and unnecessary ingredients. The end result- an array of clean burning soy wax candles that fit into most budgets! Ready to swap your store-bought candles for a cleaner option? Click the link below to browse our catalog! Have a question? *DISCLAIMER- this information can easily be found on Google or DuckDuckGo. Each person is entitled to their own opinion and must decide for themselves whether or not the risk is greater than the reward. .

And how to get rid of them. We all remember the days of scary monsters lurking in our closest, waiting to jump out and scare us. Although we know that there were no scary monsters waiting to get us as kids, the majority of the population might not realize they probably have some terrifying "monsters" lurking in their homes now. Scary Monster No. 1 - Carcinogens The "C" word that no one wants to hear, and too many people have been faced with. Cancer. But did you know that carcinogens (cancer-causing chemicals) are rampant in items and foods we use every day. Air fresheners, furniture, pest control products, plastic food containers, fried foods- the list goes on. Scary Monster No. 2 - Phthalates Dr. Axe states- "Phthalates are chemical compounds that are commonly added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability and longevity... Diet is believed to be the main source of phthalates because fatty foods such as milk, butter and meats are commonly packaged or stored in plastics containing this dangerous toxin." Scary Monster No. 3 - Parabens Although the topic is still being investigated, a huge concern with the use of parabens is the potential of parabens being hormone disruptors. Parabens are used as a preservative and are found in personal care items such as toothpaste, lotion, makeup, hair products, and even food items. Enough Doom and Gloom- how do we handle it? Although it does require a little extra brain power, with a methodical and calm approach you can eliminate much of these toxins with simple swaps! It's as simple as choosing a nontoxic option when your usual choice runs out. Here are some ideas to get those ideas flowing: -- Ditch the pesticides for diatomaceous earth, cinnamon powder, or even flowers to control the bugs. -- Swap your plasticware for glass. -- Throw out the Febreze and use our Haven Spray. -- Opt for glass bottles of milk (raw milk in glass bottles from the local dairy = bliss!) -- Swap the drugstore makeup for clean brands (Crunchi is my personal fave) -- Set aside a little time to learn how to make your own toothpaste, or join a local Crunchy Mom facebook group to find recommendations (my alltime favorite group is https://www.facebook.com/groups/HealthyHappyHomemaker/) I know it seems overwhelming, but if you make one small change each week, you're gonna look up in six months or a year and see just how far you've come. Plug into a crunchy community (like the facebook group I linked) and you'll be encouraged in your journey! You only get one life, so make it a good one! I'm cheering you on!