8 Crunchy Products I Love

I admit it: I will never be a contender for the gold medal in the Crunchy Olympics, but I think I’m good for an honorable mention: I cloth diapered Scotty; I had more slings and baby carriers than I had bras at one point; I drink almond milk; and I know every single word to Bob Marley’s Legend (Yes, Every. Single. Word.); and I fully admit to getting “blissed out” on my yoga mat during savasana.

But I think the truest testament of my semi-crunchiness is the handful of products that I’ve come to depend on for our family. You won't have to search too far to find the following in my cupboards…

1.) Biokleen Bac-Out Stain and Odor Eliminator Foaming Action Spray

From spaghetti sauce stains on a white t-shirt, to stubborn poo stains on a cloth diaper, and everything in between, this stuff is a miracle in a bottle. I have yet to encounter a stain that Bac-Out can’t eradicate. Biokleen's secret is its live enzyme-producing cultures, which attack stains, organic waste, and odors safely and naturally. Completely safe to use around children, pets and even birds, this spray is preferred by commercial carpet cleaners nationwide. This product is a tad hard to find – you can, however, find it at select Kroger stores, and Amazon.com always carries it. Kroger or Amazon.com; $8

2.) Mrs. Meyers Clean Day All Purpose Cleaner

I lucked upon this gem of a household cleaner by accident. Back in 2011 when I was pregnant with Scotty, our neighborhood T.J. Maxx had  32-ounce bottles of this stuff on clearance for a mere $3.50. I bought five. I love that I don’t need a mask to protect my nostrils from the sting of bleach-like fumes and that I can use this in the presence of Scottt and Kennedy without worrying what they’re breathing in. Plus, it’s safe to use on all non-porous surfaces – including sealed stone and hardwood floors. And Birch Bark Extract – a primary ingredient – is an excellent grease cutter.

Amazon.com; $15

3.) VeggieTales Top-to-Bottom

What’s better than a safe, effective product that gives you piece of mind? How about a cheap, safe and effective product that gives you piece of mind! Look no further than VeggieTales Top-to-Bottom. A huge 32-ounce bottle – with pump – is less than five bucks – and when it goes on sale, it’s less than that. This Wash + Shampoo + Moisturizer is tear-free, hypoallergenic, and is also free of dyes, paragons, or sulfates. It is the only thing I use in Scotty and Kennedy's bath. Kroger; $4

  

4.) Gripe Water

I remember how I first learned about this product just like it was yesterday…

I was nine-months-pregnant with Scotty and I remember reading in one of my 30 parenting magazines – this is not a gross exaggeration – about a celebrity mom who was singing the praises of this magic potion. (If my memory serves, I think it was Camilla Alves, Matthew McConaughey’s wife.) I nearly dropped to my knees when I discovered that I had plucked the last remaining bottle off the shelves at my neighborhood Walgreens. (FYI: I’ve since learned that Walmart has the best price for Gripe Water.) It contains no artificial colors, flavors, gluten, dairy or soy; no alcohol, parabens or harsh chemicals; and no petroleum. You may be wondering, then, what is in this 100% vegetarian and vegan product: pure ginger, mostly. Gripe Water is the number one selling product in its class and safely and quickly relieves gas and stomach discomfort associated with colic, hiccups, teething and general fussiness in babies. It is, in a word, a lifesaver. I still give it to both of my children when they have gas, and you can sense the relief they feel almost instantly. Walmart; $8

5.) Fabulous Frannie Essential Oils

You know how some women stock-pile bottles of nail polish? I do the same with Fabulous Frannie Essential Oils. I first blogged about the splendor that is Fabulous Frannie here and then again here. Just know this: You will be hard-pressed to find a more high-quality yet inexpensive brand of essential oils anywhere else. And don’t even get me started on their selection… fabulousfrannie.com; $3 and up

6.) Yummy Earth Lollipops

Move over, gummy fruit snacks. There’s a new, more nutritious treat in town: Yummy Earth Organic lollipops. Last summer I stumbled upon these lollipops, and Scotty has been crazy about them ever since. These are candy, yes; but they are not what I would call junk. These lollipops are the brainchild of two dads who wanted to create treats that are free of high fructose corn syrup and artificial dyes for their own children. These delightful sweets on a stick are high on taste but without all the ingredients you need a dictionary to pronounce. I’ve bought few packs at our local Marshalls, and I think they carry them fairly regularly. Yummy Earth Organic lollipops are also available at Walgreens, Babies R Us, Toys R Us, drugstore.com, and Amazon.com, which has been known to have them on sale. I now deem these lollipops the childhood equivalent to my AAA Auto Club card: I won’t leave home without a few in the diaper bag. Amazon.com; $3

7.) Nature’s Path Pumpkin-n-Spice Flax Plus Granola Bars

Chewy, delicious, and sweet without being too sweet. I used to stockpile these bars like a squirrel hiding acorns – just so I’d be prepared when hunger pangs strike. And guess what? Now Scotty loves them as much as I do. I got turned on to these at my local Big Lots, but they don’t always have them in stock. But when Big Lots doesn’t have them, Amazon always comes through. Amazon.com; $6

8.) Earnest Eats Power Grains & Flax Chewy Granola Bars

These are a very close second to Nature’s Path – I simply like each of these for two different reasons: While Nature’s Path hits the spot for a snack, particularly after working out, or, say, as a hold-over until dinnertime, I like Earnest Eats granola bars as a breakfast supplement. They taste good – they’re just not as sweet as Nature’s Path. However, I’ve found that they are excellent for regulating blood sugar levels, particularly if you have low blood sugar like I do. Amazon.com; $8.95

What's your favorite all-natural product?

Congratulations to Diane P., 
the winner of The Hippies Hope Shop's $50 Gift Card Giveaway!

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