For a long time I didn’t know what everyone was talking about with this “nesting” business. I wanted to be out having fun and feeling like a regular person, not at home darning socks! “I’m a modern woman!” I thought, “I don’t need to nest!”
Then the third trimester hit.
Turns out nesting is a very real, hormone-triggered concept and though it strikes everyone at different times, I don’t think there’s much anyone can do to avoid it completely, especially as labour approcahes. Feeling safe, clean and comfy at home is suddenly at the very top of my priority list right now – it’s my safe place after all, and soon to be the safe place for my baby too. With winter in full swing I’ve been spending more time indoors, and I can’t tell you how many home projects I’ve hammered through the past few weeks after putting them off for ages. #HeaveninHighPark is starting to feel so ready for our new addition, and even the nursery is totally set up (reveal coming so soon on one of my very favourite websites!)
There are two things I can’t deny about my time waiting for baby, especially now that the third trimester has hit: one, cleanliness is key, and two, toxins are terrifying. My definition of clean has reached new heights, and with baby on the way I’ve really started questioning the cleanliness of everything in my life when it comes to chemicals and toxins. I have swapped out everything from body products to my laundry detergent for cleaner, natural options, and it has really helped make my nest feel like a safer place for baby to land.
Scroll down to see my favourite natural products!
A classic brand that I always turn too, Mrs. Meyers Clean Day is not only a cleaner way to keep your home germ-free, but the scents are always super delicious yet soft enough that they don’t cause those oh-so-annoying pregnancy headaches in my experience! Currently obsessed with the Apple Cider Dish Soap. They make everything from toilet cleaner to laundry detergent (my laundry room is currently stocked with lavender laundry detergent, dryer sheets and fabric softener, and their products have never let me down once. Can’t wait to get my hands on their baby detergent to try next!
I have a hard time with natural toothpaste and tooth products because I don’t like the taste of baking soda, but coconut oil? Now that I can get behind! Dr. Ginger’s products taste delicious, work super well (my dentist has given me only good news since using them), and they even make eco-friendly natural whitening pens which is not something I’ve ever seen before.
The whole product line //
coconut oil toothpaste (top pick!)
coconut oil mouthwash
whitening pen
I’ve been into the idea of clean skincare for years, mixing lots of amazing natural products into my daily regimen but still clinging to those last few NOT clean products too. This pregnancy finally gave me the push I needed to go all-natural, all the time. Que Odacite , a beautifully crafted brand hailing from California, Odacite was created by a woman who used her cancer diagnosis to clean out everything in her life, especially what she put on her skin. The line is totally customizable with tons of serums you can blend and use for different problem areas, and it’s vegan, cruelty free, certified organic too. I’ve been especially into Odacite Rose + Neroli Hydra-Vitalizing Treatment Mist , Odacite Pure Elements Serums, and the Rose quartz Gua Sha (you can get a lesson on this awesome tool at our favourite Odacite retailer, The Detox Market!)
When I saw Dalish Cosmetics on the shelf at a local all-natural shop I couldn’t believe I had never heard of the brand! Created in a kitchen right here in Toronto, this collection is natural beauty at its best – great price point, locally crafted, cruelty free, and so cute! Their mascara is one of the best natural formulas I’ve ever tried, and the concealer works wonders too!
I did a lot of travel to some very hot places earlier this year, and I have to say I will always and forever Trust The Bum – Sun Bum that is! This might be the natural product line I’ve used the longest in my life, and I don’t think I’ll ever even bother with other options because I find it works so well and smells so good. I can’t wait to get stocked up on the even cleaner Baby Bum product line for Little Pearl’s first vacation (how soon is too soon to start?!)
Sometimes your all-natural routine needs to have a bit of fun, and Anese co. is definitely proof that products that are good for you don’t have to look bad on your countertop. Never tested on animals, made in the USA, and formulated with lots of amazing plant-based ingredients, each product has full transparency listed right on the site about what is inside the bottle. Some of my favourites lately have been Have you seen my underwear? Watermelon Booty Oil (works great on the belly too!) and Fuck Bad Vibes Hydrating Hair + Body Elixir.
Washable Terrazzo Rug (used as background) by Lorena Canals