Well, reality was my husband this time.

Every year my sweet husband buys me hydrangeas and lavender because they’re my two favorite plants. And every year… they simply do not survive and thrive under my care.

I end up sending them off to my mother-in-law’s house so she can nurse them back to health. (She truly has a magical touch. Especially with the state some of those poor plants arrived in.)

If you saw her house, you would literally laugh. She has beautiful hydrangeas lining the entire front of her home and down her walkway, with little spots of lavender throughout her yard. And I don’t think this woman has ever actually bought a single hydrangea in her life.

Meanwhile… I can’t keep one alive.

The Reality Check (aka My Husband Keeping it Real)

So this year, when I told my husband all of my goals and dreams of having a big garden.. he slightly laughed.

Then he kindly reminded me of my track record.

After we both acknowledged that it would be slightly inconvenient to haul an entire planter box to my mother-in-law’s house for rehab.. we came to a compromise.

We decided I would start with four indoor herbs and see how it goes.

If I can prove I’ll actually be able to take care of those… then we can slowly add more fruits and veggies.

Fair enough.

Why Herbs Felt Like the Move

I chose herbs for a couple of reasons:

1. They’ll sit on my counter and stare me in the face every day.. so there’s no “oops I forgot about you”
2. I already buy organic dried herbs and those things are pricey
3. Spending half the price on a live plant that (hopefully) keeps on giving? Say less

Also.. it just feels so cozy. Like little cottage-core vibes happening right on my kitchen counter.

And wait until you see the pots I found at Walmart.. I love.

Choosing My Starter Herbs (No Drama Allowed)

When it came to picking herbs, I made a very serious, very official plan:

-> What do I actually use?
-> Which ones are least likely to be dramatic?

Because we are not starting this journey with high-maintenance plants. I know myself.

I narrowed it down to:

• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Parsley
• Oregano

I use a lot of Italian seasoning, so this felt like the move. And rosemary goes on basically all of our meat, so she had to make the cut.

My Favorite Part… POTS

Now THIS is where I thrive.

I learned that:

• Rosemart & thyme prefer terracotta
• Parsley & oregano prefer ceramic

(Yes I did research. I will not be proving my husband right this time around.)

I had my eye on some dream pots from Amazon. So cute. So unique. So unnecessary for where I’m currently at in life.

Because right now?

We are ballin’ on a budget.

But listen… Walmart has stepped it UP. Between My Texas House, Mainstays and Better Homes & Gardens, there were actually so many cute affordable options.

Like.. cute cute.

Wait until you see the ones I found at Walmart.. I put everything I grabbed for my herb setup right here if you want to see.

I also added a few things I didn’t end up buying (yet) but have my eye on.. so it’s a mix of what I’m actually using + my little herb garden wishlist 🤍

The Goal (Not Pinterest Perfection)

Here’s the vibe:

We are not aiming for Pinterest perfection.

We are aiming for:

• Alive plants
• A few cute pots
• Learning as we go

That’s it.

We can romanticize it later. Right now we’re just trying to keep something green alive in this house.

My Secret Weapon (This is Actually Genius)

Okay this might be my best idea yet.

If you don’t know already, I have three young girls. So I’m assigning each of them a plant.

It’s now their job to:

• Check the soil
• Help water it

And honestly.. this is a win for everyone!

1. They learn something I was never taught
2. They get a little responsibility
3. They see how taking care of something helps it grow
4. And most importantly.. they help me keep these plants alive when I forget lol

Starting Small, But Starting

So this time, I’m trying to be a little smarter.

I am:

• Starting small (indoor herb garden vs full blown fruit & veggie garden that realistically wouldn’t survive)
• Not overbuying (I’m really good at this so this is huge for me)
• Actually researching and making a plan (not just watering willy nilly)

Maybe this is how my dream garden begins.

Not with a full backyard transformation.. but with a few little herbs sitting on my counter.

And honestly? I’m so excited.

Want to Start an Herb Garden too?

If an herb garden is something that sounds fun for you too, I put together a simple list of everything I’m getting + the steps I’m following to get started.

If you want it, I can send it straight to your email so you don’t have to come back and find this post later.

👉🏻 Grab it here if you want it 🤍

I’ll Keep you Posted…

We’ll see how this goes.

Pray for the herbs.
And for me.

The post My Herb Garden Era Begins… Once I Actually Start appeared first on Milk & Honey.

My mind is quiet.

A few months ago, I deleted social media. Not in some dramatic, life altering moment.. just in the middle of a really full season.

But somehow, that small decision has made one of the biggest impacts on my life and my mental health.

Why I Deleted Social Media

At the time, I was in one of the busiest seasons of my career. I had three escrows of my own and two for my broker, and my brain felt completely maxed out.

I remember sitting down one night to “just scroll for a minute”… and then looking up an hour later wondering where the time went.

That was the moment it hit me.

I didn’t have time to be giving my attention away like that anymore.

And when I really sat with it, I realized it wasn’t just about time.

I had been quietly keeping a running list in the back of my mind of all the ways social media was draining me.

It had started to feel like a third arm.. always there, always within reach.

I would pick it up without thinking. While cooking, while sitting, while being with my kids. It was just.. constant.

And because I’m a really empathetic person, the things I saw didn’t just stay on the screen. If I saw something sad, I carried it. I would spiral, overthink, and suddenly feel this need to control everything in my own life.

Other times, I would see people doing incredible things. And I truly was happy for them.. but there was always this quiet questioning underneath it:

Am I behind? Am I doing enough? Why can I not get there?

And don’t even get me started on how easily I’m influenced.. I was constantly buying things I didn’t need. Convinced that they would somehow make my life better, prettier, more put together.

But the biggest thing I realized was this:

The time I was spending watching everyone else’s life was time I wasn’t fully living in my own.

And in real estate, I’m already on my phone all day. Calls, texts, emails.. it never really stops. So adding mindless scrolling on top of that? It meant that all my girls were really seeing was me with my nose in my phone. And I had this moment where I thought…

Is this what I want them to remember?

Because I don’t.

The Quiet Felt Uncomfortable

At first, the quiet felt uncomfortable.

It was like my brain kept reaching for noise that wasn’t there anymore. I would pick up my phone automatically without even thinking. It was like it was a part of my routine that my body was used to.

My mind was expecting something.. stimulation, distraction, anything.

Now, I wish I could tell you that I deleted social media and instantly became Wonder Woman. That I cleaned my entire house, picked up new hobbies, became mom of the year..

But not quite.

Instead, I read an unhinged amount of fantasy books. And when I say unhinged, I mean I read like seven books in thirty days. It was honestly a little ridiculous… but I’ve just been giving myself grace and calling it my “detox phase.”

But then something interesting started to happen.

Those loud shouts slowly turned into quiet whispers.

That pressure social media creates.. the constant feeling that you need to make more money, work harder, take more trips, look prettier, buy more things.. It started to fade.

I hadn’t realized how invested I had become in everyone else’s lives. And I didn’t realize that comparison was draining me.. making me feel behind, like I wasn’t doing enough, wasn’t pretty enough, wasn’t productive enough.

Side note… I did keep Pinterest, and I have to mention that. But Pinterest feels different. It inspires creativity. It makes me want to do things, not compare myself.

Instagram, TikTok, Facebook… those left me feeling drained more often than not.

And once that loudness started to fade, I found myself reaching for different things.

Things that filled my cup up instead of taking from it.

I kept Reading my fantasy books, because apparently the only stories my brain wants right now involves fae, wings, swords and bat boys,

I started dreaming again. About cottage life. Slow, beautiful, intentional days.

I planned out an herb garden… a little prematurely since the herbs haven’t even hit the market yet, but that’s okay. I’m ready when they are.

I started researching berry plants and flowers with the girls so we can finally build the fairy garden we’ve talked about for years.

I’ve been spending more time outside with them, playing games or just sitting and watching them practice softball. (I’m the artistic parent, not the athletic one… so it’s best I stay on the sidelines and cheer them on.)

At night, I rest. I curl up on the couch and watch our girls play or perform little dances for us.. instead of scrolling, laughing at reels and going to bed with a mind that feels completely full and somehow empty at the same time.

I Started Noticing My Life Again

Somewhere along the way, I stopped reaching for my phone.. and started noticing my life again.

Not in some big, life changing way. Just in small, ordinary moments that I think I had been missing before.

The way my girls play together in the living room, creating entire little worlds out of nothing.

The way the house feels in the late afternoon when the light starts to shifts and everything slows down just a little. Or earlier in the day when the sun filters into the house and we have all the windows open and can feel the fresh air.

The sound of them laughing outside, or practicing softball in the yard, or asking me to come watch something they’re proud of.

Before, those moments were happening around me.. but I don’t know if I was fully in them.

Now I am.

I’ve noticed the seasons changing again. The way the air feels a little softer, the way spring is starting to show up, gently making its way back.

I’ve found myself opening windows more, letting fresh air in, wanting to be outside instead of inside looking at a screen.

And it’s funny.. nothing about my life has drastically changed. I’m still a busy mom. I’m still running to practices, making dinner, managing a home, figuring things out as I go.

But it feels different.

Slower. Fuller. More present.

Like I’m actually here for it this time.

The Life I Actually Want

And in the quiet… I started to realize what I actually want my life to look like.

I want to wear what makes me feel good.

I want my home to feel warm and welcoming.. like us. Not a perfectly curated, cookie cutter version of what I think it’s supposed to look like.

I want my kids’ artwork framed on the walls. Art that we made together. Not because it’s perfect, but because of the memories behind it—the laughing, the mess, the time spent together.

I want a garden that actually thrives.. because I’m outside tending to it, watering it, taking care of something slowly instead of rushing through everything.

I want my creativity to come back to life. I want to create more than I consume.

And more than anything.. I want my girls to grow up remembering that I was there. Not distracted. Not half listening. But looking them in the eyes, laughing with them, fully in the moment.

I Don’t Miss It

And the truth is.. I don’t miss it.

If I’m being completely honest (always), I didn’t delete social media with some long-term plan in mind. I just needed zero distractions during one of the busiest seasons of my life. There was no room for mistakes and work needed my full attention.

I fully planned on downloading everything again once the deals closed. But that was months ago and the thought hasn’t even crossed my mind. I love where my mind is now. I love where my life is now.

Sometimes I think about it and it almost feels silly.. that something so small, such a tiny decision, could create such a big shift.

But here I am.

Feeling present.
Feeling peaceful.

Feeling like my life is my own again.

And as I sit here on the couch, watching my girls play…

I don’t feel like I’m missing anything anymore.

The post What Happened When I Deleted Social Media (And Why I Don’t Miss It) appeared first on Milk & Honey.

And honestly? I’m not apologizing for it. I’m just inviting you into it.

Why Survival Seasons Aren’t Failure

I’ve felt like I totally dropped the ball on the blog. Most days I was just going step by step, doing the next thing that needed to be done. But when I zoom out, I realize the last few months have been full of really good things.

I got to celebrate my oldest turning a year older.
I stood next to my sister as her Matron of Honor and celebrated her new family.
I represented buyers and sellers and gave them my all.
I fed my girls all their meals, taught them from the comfort of our home, and watched them grow in real time.

It wasn’t a lesser season — just a different one.

Summer always feels like long hours, long days, and big checks meant for chipping away debt and filling our savings. But fall and winter? They’re quieter. Rainy. Slower. They bring Justyn home more. They give us family time we don’t take for granted. It’s like my soul goes into a gentle hibernation, and this year, I welcomed that shift.

How Creativity Found Its Way Back to Me

I know I shared little bits of drawing and painting this summer, but somewhere in all of it, the spark got a whole lot bigger.

My sister has always been one of my biggest cheerleaders when it comes to my art. So when she gave me birthday money and told me to “go buy art stuff and paint,” I took it seriously. I bought a huge 4ft x 3ft canvas and black-and-white artist-grade paint and decided to turn one of her engagement photos into a painting.

It ended up being one of the most grounding, life-giving things I’ve done in years. It was like the weight I’d been carrying slowly melted off with every brush stroke. Something in me woke up — something that had been gently stirring for months.

After I finished it, Justyn convinced me to turn our extra storage/toy room upstairs into a little art studio for myself. It took SO much decluttering and cleaning (like… so much), but I finally did it. And now I’ve already started a new piece — smaller, colorful, and just as soul-settling.

And then, of course… Christmas.

If you know me, you know I come fully alive this time of year. I’m basically the Christmas Freak of my hometown, and people send me every Christmas reel and TikTok they come across (please don’t stop — I love it). This season feels like creativity, peace, Jesus, warmth, and joy all wrapped together. It settles me in a way nothing else does.

What Creative Seasons Can Look Like

Creativity isn’t always writing. Sometimes it’s paint. Sometimes it’s decorating. Sometimes it’s homemaking. And I’ve noticed that every season, I grab onto a different form of it.

For so long, I’d beat myself up for “dropping the ball” when I shifted into something new. But I’m learning to stop forcing things and just follow the spark instead. Nothing is wasted. Nothing is failure. It’s just seasons changing — and I’m learning to let that be okay.

Letting My Blog Shift With Me This Season

So instead of forcing myself back into a budgeting-heavy season, I’m letting this blog breathe with me.

I’ll still share money content when it feels right — I haven’t abandoned that part of my life. But for now, expect more:

• cozy home moments
• Christmas décor
• creative projects
• art
• and the slower, simpler side of life I’m learning to embrace

I’m in a creative, heart-full season, and I’m letting myself be a human being instead of a spreadsheet.

If You’re in a Survival Season Too…

I hope this post feels like a warm mug of something comforting. (I’m personally a peppermint hot cocoa or spiced tea type of gal around this time of year)

And if you’re in a creative one?

Well… that’s where I am right now, and I’m so excited to bring you with me.

The post Learning to Breathe Again After a Season of Survival appeared first on Milk & Honey.

If you’re here, you’re probably wondering:

Should I homeschool my child?

You’re not alone. More and more families are asking this question, and it’s not always an easy one to answer.

I still remember how overwhelmed I felt when I decided to pull my daughter out of public school. She made it exactly three weeks into kindergarten before I said, nope, absolutely not.

Everyone has their reasons—some similar, some totally different.

Why You Might Be Considering Homeschooling

Maybe you see your child struggling, or maybe you’re just craving a simpler, safer way to learn.

Here are a few common reasons families explore homeschooling:

• You don’t agree with the school’s curriculum.
• Your child is having social issues.
• They’re falling behind developmentally or academically.
• You feel your child is overlooked because of large class sizes.
• You don’t view the school as a safe space (bullying, violence, etc.).
• You travel frequently as a family.
• You have different health or vaccination beliefs.

Honestly, the list could go on and on.

For us, it came down to a few core values:

• We didn’t want our kids spending most of their childhood away from us, under someone else’s control.
• We wanted to know exactly what was being taught.
• We love to travel.
• We wanted our kids to discover who they are—without peer pressure pushing them to be someone else.

Homeschooling vs. Independent Study—What’s the Difference?

Yes—there’s a big difference between the two.

Both options keep your kids learning at home, but they’re not the same. It really comes down to who’s in charge of their education—and where your curriculum comes from.

Think of it this way:

• Homeschooling = You are the school.
• Independent Study = The school provides oversight and curriculum, but you’re the facilitator at home.

Neither requires you to be a “professional,” but they do feel very different day to day.

What Is Homeschooling?

Homeschooling means you are your child’s teacher, principal, and whole school system rolled into one.

This is often called a home-based private school.

You choose the curriculum.

You can piece it together yourself or purchase a pre-made program. But ultimately, you’re responsible for everything.

Homeschool Requirements in California

(If you live elsewhere, double-check your own state’s requirements.)

• File an annual private school affidavit.
• Keep an attendance register.
• Be capable of teaching your children.
• Provide instruction in core subjects (language arts, math, science, social studies, health, and driver training).
• Maintain immunization records or a personal beliefs exemption.
• Keep a list of courses of study.
• Maintain a list of instructors with addresses and qualifications.

Who Is Homeschooling For?

This path is perfect if you want the ball fully in your court.

You’ll have complete control over your child’s academic life. The state requires you to show you’re providing an education, but otherwise, you wear all the hats.

What Is Independent Study?

Independent study is an alternative to classroom instruction. Technically, your kids remain enrolled in the public school system—but they do all their work at home.

This is the path we’re currently on. At first, I thought it would be temporary, but honestly, I’m loving it (and so are my kids).

How It Works

• Your kids get assigned a teacher through the district.
• You meet weekly to review work and get new lesson plans.
• You have flexibility, but the curriculum is provided.
• You can request adjustments or opt out of specific lessons.

I really enjoy this approach because:

• It removes the headache of piecing together curriculum from scratch.
• I still have input about what my kids are learning.
• The lesson plans are tailored to my children.

I’ve noticed my kids are thriving academically. While many of their peers spend 40 hours a week in a classroom, we’re doing 6–10 hours a week—and they’re still testing ahead.

They also get social time through weekly classes (art, cooking, maker space) and seasonal activities like gardening.

And when I get stuck teaching something (hello, math), I have help. I can bring them in for in-person support or hop on Zoom with their teacher.

Why We Choose Independent Study

Here are a few reasons it works so well for our family:

• No stress about building a curriculum from scratch.
• Flexibility to adjust lessons to our values and beliefs.
• Consistent social activities without daily classroom pressures.
• Less time sitting at a desk, more time as a family.
• Support from teachers when I need it.

Who Is Independent Study For?

Independent study is perfect for families who feel in between.

Maybe you want your kids home but feel overwhelmed by the idea of homeschooling alone. Maybe your child has an IEP or learning challenges that need more one-on-one support.

Or maybe you simply want to protect their learning path from the stress, peer pressure, and overcrowding of public schools.

Final Thoughts: You Know Your Child Best

At the end of the day, only you know what’s best for your family.

Whether that’s public school, homeschool, independent study, or another path—like a PSP or private tutoring—just know you have options.

Most parents don’t realize how many choices there really are.

I hope this helped ease your mind and gave you some clarity about your decision. If you have personal experiences or advice, I’d love for you to share it in the comments below.

We’re all figuring this out together. 💛

✨ P.S. If you’d like more cozy encouragement and tips, you can subscribe below—I’d love to stay in touch.

The post Homeschool vs. Independent Study: Which Is Best for Your Family? appeared first on Milk & Honey.

I don’t know about you, but I am exhausted by the rat race.
Tired of working so hard to keep up with the Joneses—only to realize they’re probably in debt too.

Let’s just say, we didn’t exactly tiptoe into debt. We did a full-on cannonball.

How We Got Here

On paper, my husband has a great-paying job. In reality, over $3,500 of his paycheck disappears every month just to make the minimum payments on our debt. (Not household bills, not food, not gas—debt.) That’s more than $42,000 a year to basically rent our past mistakes. Iconic, right?

And honestly—was any of it worth it?
The car payment? Meh.
The name-brand shoes? Cute, but not that cute.
The random Amazon orders at 11 p.m.? Definitely not.

All those purchases we thought would make life easier? They’ve only made us feel stuck.

What We Want Instead

But here’s the thing—I want more.
More time with my husband instead of trading hours for interest payments.
More memories with our kids while they’re still little.
More freedom to travel, to give, to invest, to just breathe without feeling like the next bill will knock us down again.

I’m craving the simple life.
The one where money feels like a tool to build something beautiful—not something that controls us.

Our Plan For Financial Freedom

So—welcome to my finance journey.

We are paying off debt.
We are growing our savings.
We are investing—big and small.
We are truly learning to enjoy our money.
We are eating good food.
We are traveling the world and making memories as a family.
We are finding freedom.

That’s the plan.

I’ll be sharing every little detail here—step by step, mistake by mistake, victory by victory. Because you can’t fix what you’re afraid to look at, and we’re done pretending it’s not a problem.

If you’re sitting there nodding your head thinking, Same girl. Same.—you’re in good company.

It doesn’t matter what our friends think.
It doesn’t matter what our family thinks.
We’re not following their rules. We’re making our own.

Cheers to freedom. And to not having to decline collect calls all day. ♡

—S

[ Ready to start? Here’s Step 1: No Debt → ]

You can get my personal money tracker that I have spent years putting together—for free. Just go to the post linked above & you’ll find it there!

✨P.S. If you’d like to get little updates on our journey to financial freedom and some of my favorite tools for budgeting and paying off debt, you can join my email list here. No spam—just real life and a little encouragement.

Trying to steward your finances well? Pin this so you can revisit it when you need some peace and a plan.

The post My Finance Journey appeared first on Milk & Honey.

Here’s what I’ve added (and absolutely love):

• Duvet Cover (Heathered Cream Grey) – I get the size that fits my bed perfectly. The neutral taupe tone goes with everything and instantly makes the room feel elevated.
• Duvet Insert – Little tip: size up! It makes your bed look (and feel) like a fluffy cloud. I sized mine up for that luxe, oversized look and it’s worth it.
• Sheets – They may be Amazon Basics, but hear me out… they’re soft, breathable, and somehow better than sets I’ve paid triple for.
• Mattress Protector/Topper – The unsung hero of cozy sleep. This one adds just the right amount of cush and keeps our mattress protected–because, let’s be real, kids and coffee spills happen. I swear it’s one of the reasons our bed feels like a hotel bed. Total game-changer.
• Heated Blanket (Taupe) – Trust me. There is nothing like climbing into a pre-warmed bed at the end of a long day. It heats from the inside out and is basically a hug for your whole body.
• Throw Blanket – This one is for aesthetics and practicality. I love having a cozy layer to grab during a midday nap (or movie night) that doesn’t mess up my neatly made bed.
• Candle Warmer – Because I want my room to smell amazing… without blowing out a candle and instantly filling the room with smoke. This is such a simple swap but makes a big difference!
• Air Purifier – I got the smaller size for our bedroom and I’m so glad I did. Breathing clean air while you’re sleeping—with your mouth wide open like a bear in hibernation? A must. 😂

✨ Shop the Sleep Sanctuary
A few of my favorite cozy things that help make bedtime feel like a dream—literally.

The neutrals in our room—mostly taupe and black—create a calming space that matches any frame or furniture you already have. Even without a bed frame, these layers of cozy textures and soft earth tones pull the whole space together.

I didn’t overhaul everything overnight—this space came together one little piece at a time. And that’s kind of the beauty of it. You don’t need a full renovation to create a space that helps you breathe deeper and sleep better.

If you’ve been craving a more restful space that feels peaceful, feminine, and yours… start here.

Why I Chose a Simple Cozy Bedroom Over Pinterest-Perfect Layers

I used to think I needed all the things to have a pretty bed—euro pillows, decorative throws, layers upon layers that looked beautiful… but never got touched. And honestly? It just became one more thing to manage. As a mom, I’m already juggling so much, and making the bed shouldn’t feel like a full-blown event.

So I tossed the fluff—but kept the fluff that matters.
Now we’ve got four pillows that actually get used, two blankets we snuggle up with nightly, and I even ditched the top sheet (because why was I tucking in a sheet we never used?). Making the bed takes me one minute flat, and it still looks inviting and cozy—without a stack of pillows I’d just throw on the floor at night.

And every time someone walks into our room, they say the same thing:
“Your bed looks so comfy…”
Then they flop down with an “ahhh,” and I know I did something right.

Whether you’re a tired mom or just over the clutter, I hope this inspires your own simple cozy bedroom setup–less fluff, more comfort.

Because a Good Morning Starts with a Good Night’s Sleep

Now that your bed feels like a cozy cloud and you’ve finally ditched the nightly candle smoke (🙌), the next step? A warm, non-toxic cup of coffee that’s just as calming. ☕ Head over to my simple, clean coffee routine and start your mornings slow, intentional, and totally delicious.

The post Cozy, Comfy, and Just for Mom: My Favorite Bedroom Upgrades appeared first on Milk & Honey.

At first, I was nervous. I didn’t want a routine that felt fussy or time-consuming. But what I ended up with is simple, non-toxic, and honestly… kind of therapeutic. And sorry but, I don’t miss the coffee grounds in my cup. Sorry, Keurig.

My New Coffee Set-Up

Here’s what I use now:

• A stainless steel electric kettle with zero plastic-to-water contact
• A stainless steel French press
• Purity Coffee (when I plan ahead) or Starbucks Sumatra (easy to grab from Walmart)
• Chobani Hazelnut Creamer — because clean-ish can still taste like a treat

☕ Sippin’ Slow, Sippin’ Clean
Here’s what’s in my daily coffee lineup—simple swaps for a gentler (and still totally yummy) start to the day.

How I Make It (It’s Actually Pretty Fast)

1. Fill the kettle with hot tap water (pro tip for piping-hot coffee).
2. While the kettle heats (less than 2 mins), I pour out the water from the French press — this preheats it.
3. Scoop 7 loose tablespoons of coffee grounds for a full 34oz brew.
4. Fill the press with hot water, lid on with the plunger up.
5. Set a timer for 4 minutes.
6. Slowly press the plunger down.
7. Pour into my favorite mug and enjoy a few quiet-ish sips before the chaos begins.

It’s smooth. It’s delicious. And the process itself is surprisingly calming — like a little ritual that helps me start the day with intention (even if I have toddler drool on my shirt and someone’s asking for a snack at 7:42am).

A Note on Coffee & Perfection

I love Purity Coffee — it’s clean, organic, and third-party tested for mold and toxins. But it’s also a little pricier and not always easy to keep stocked. When that happens, I reach for Starbucks Sumatra. It’s not perfect, but it’s good quality, strong, and consistent — and that’s okay too.

Clean living isn’t about doing everything right — it’s about doing a little better where you can. And this coffee routine is one of those little things that just makes my mornings feel better.

Do you have a favorite non-toxic coffee or creamer? I’m always open to trying something new — especially if it makes the early mornings feel a little more peaceful.

♡ If you’re making simple swaps in your home like I am, you might love my post on our cozy, non-toxic laundry routine that actually smells good. Read it here →

The post My Non-Toxic Coffee Routine (That Still Feels Easy & Tastes Amazing) appeared first on Milk & Honey.

Published: May 22, 2025

Let’s be real for a second…

Mom life is beautiful — but also busy, loud, and a little chaotic. I’m always looking for things that make our days smoother, our home cozier, and our routines easier (without compromising on clean, non-toxic living). So here’s a round-up of my real, tried-and-true Amazon favorites. These are the things I’ve bought, loved, and would 100% buy again.

P.S. I recently put together an Amazon Storefront with all my favorite cozy, non-toxic, and chaos-reducing finds — you can shop them all there too!

For the Home

Cozy, clean, and chaos-reducing

• Carote Pots & Pans Set with Removable Handles
  Obsessed. They save space, go from stovetop to fridge, and come with lids that double as food storage. So smart.
• Candle Warmer
  No smoke, no flames, no stress. My favorite way to make the house smell good without toxins.
• Thieves Cleaner
  My holy grail cleaner. I use it for everything: glass, floors, counters, carpet, even the leather seats in my car. And it smells heavenly.
• Stainless Steel French Press
  Coffee tastes so clean and smooth. Bonus: no plastic!
• Electric Water Kettle (Plastic-Free Interior)
  Total upgrade. Fast, non-toxic, and perfect for tea, coffee, or a midday reset.
• Purity Coffee
  Because I wanted coffee that didn’t spike my anxiety. Smooth, clean, and worth every penny.
• Stainless Steel Straws
  Easy swap, big feel-good. We use these daily and I don’t miss the plastic at all.
• Veggie Chopper
  Game-changer. Saves so much time — especially when meal prepping with kids underfoot.
• Air Purifier (App Connected)
  Helps my anxiety chill just a little. I have a big one for the main room and a smaller one for the bedroom.
• Luxury-Looking Bedding (Without the Luxury Price)
  These are the actual links I use and love:
  • Mattress Topper: View on Amazon → — I always go with the bigger/oversized option for a more cloud like feel
  • Duvet Insert: View on Amazon →
  • Duvet Cover: View on Amazon →
  • Sheets: View on Amazon →
  • Blanket: View on Amazon →
  • Heated blanket: View on Amazon → — crawling into a warm bed is unmatched

For the Kids

Fun, helpful, and faith-centered

• Sonicare Kids Toothbrushes
  Connects to an app to teach them how to brush — and it actually works.
• Reusable Water Balloons, Bubble Wands & Sting Ray Sprinkler
  • Reusable Water Balloons
  • Bubble Wands
  • Sting Ray Baseball Sprinkler
    Summer fun that’s mess-free, reusable, and a total hit with all three of my girls.
• Kids Study Bible (Zach Windahl)
  Beautifully designed and easy for them to engage with — even my youngest loves flipping through it.
• Mesh Packs for Toy Organization
  For legos, Barbie shoes, tiny crafts — a game changer for keeping little things contained.
• Klever Kits Fashion Design Kit
  Hours of creative fun. Perfect for quiet time or travel entertainment.

For Me (Because Moms Deserve Nice Things Too)

Little luxuries that make a big difference

• My Pink Floral Bible
  It’s beautiful, peaceful, and makes me want to open it daily.
• Gold Foil Bible Tabs
  Easy to apply and actually aesthetic — makes navigating Scripture so much easier.
• Sonicare Toothbrush (Adult Version)
  Yep, we’re a Sonicare family. Totally worth the hype.
• Foot Spa + Soak + Scrubber Set
  • Foot Spa: View on Amazon →
  • Foot Soak: View on Amazon →
  • Foot Scrubber: View on Amazon →
  • Foot Cream: View on Amazon →
    My once-a-week moment of peace. It’s the next best thing to a spa day & you will have the softest feet ever.

Final Thoughts

These are the things that have genuinely made my days a little easier, my home a little cleaner, and my soul a little more settled. I hope you find something in here that makes your day better too.

Let me know if you try any of them — and if you have Amazon favorites of your own, send them my way. I love discovering new gems!

♡ Want to browse even more of my Amazon favorites?
Check out my full storefront here: Visit My Amazon Storefront →
I’m always adding new finds that make mom life feel easier, cleaner, and more peaceful.

-S

The post 29 Amazon Finds That Made Mom Life Easier, Cozier, and (a Little) Less Chaotic appeared first on Milk & Honey.

I know non-toxic people say things like “fragrance is the new secondhand smoke,” and while I’m trying to care… I also really like my towels to smell like Gain Moonlight Breeze. (I know. Worst of the worst.) So for a long time, I just didn’t want to give up my laundry favorites.

But after digging in, trying a few different combos, and finding a scent that didn’t make me gag or feel like I was walking around smelling like mildew–I finally landed on a routine that works. And y’all… it smells good. Like my husband comments on it without being asked good.

What I Use & Why I Love It

1. White Vinegar for Fabric Softener
   
   I just pour a little into the fabric softener compartment. No, my clothes don’t smell like pickles. Yes, it actually works. It softens, it’s cheap, and it helps cut down buildup in your washer too.
   
2. Nellie’s Laundry Soda + Dryer Balls
   
   I love the look of the packaging (hello vintage canister vibes), but I love the clean ingredients even more. It doesn’t take much, lasts forever, and gets everything clean without all the junk. And it’s CHEAP. Most non-toxic detergents felt like bank-breakers, but this one fits our budget.
   
   Nellie’s Laundry Soda linked here
   Nellie’s Dryer Balls linked here
   
3. Wool Dryer Ball Fragrance Oil (Luxe Linen)
   
   This is the game-changer. I add a few drops of this fragrance oil to my wool dryer balls and boom–best-smelling laundry ever. It’s clean, not overwhelming, and even my husband keeps mentioning how good our laundry smells. That’s saying something.
   
   Just add 5-10 drops, run them through the dryer for 15 minutes, and they’re good to go for weeks. (Maybe longer if you’re not doing 100 loads a day like I am.)
   
   Dryer Ball Oil linked here

My Quick Laundry Routine

• Toss in a load with one scoop of Nellie’s Laundry Soda in the tub
  
• Add white vinegar to the softener compartment
  
• Dry with wool dryer balls + about 7 drops of fragrance oil (applied every few weeks)
  
• Fold… eventually lol

You Can Smell Good & Still Keep It Simple

You don’t have to change everything overnight to make better choices. This is one of those small swaps that just feels easy. It’s budget-friendly, smells good, and feels good — because I know I’m not coating our clothes in chemicals anymore. And honestly? I’m just so grateful we get to be clean and not stink.

The post Clean, Cozy, & Non-Toxic: A Laundry Routine That Doesn’t Stink appeared first on Milk & Honey.

It was overwhelming, anxiety-inducing, and honestly–it made me feel like I was failing as a mom, a wife, and a human.

And that? That is not what a healthier home should feel like.

At the time, we were on a budget. Throwing everything out and replacing it with “clean” alternatives just wasn’t an option. I had to take a deep breath (and then like 17 more), give myself a whole lot of grace, and remember: Doing better doesn’t mean doing it all at once.

The Mindset Shift That Changed Everything

The pressure to be perfect can sneak into even the healthiest intentions. I’ve had my fair share of tears and breakdowns on this journey–especially in the beginning. But over time, I’ve found peace in this one truth:

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being progressive.

I don’t panic if I need to finish off a bottle of something less-than-clean before replacing it. I don’t try to do everything at once. I don’t live on social media watching people’s curated toxin-free lives anymore.

Instead, I pray. I ask God to lead me gently. I do my best with what we have, and I trust that it’s enough for today.

The First 5 Swaps That Actually Stuck

Here are the simple, sustainable changes that made a big difference in our home–and didn’t stress me out in the process:

1. All-Purpose Cleaner
   We swapped store-bought sprays for Thieves Cleaner. I use it on everything–counters, floors, windows, even in the carpet cleaner. One bottle lasts forever, and it smells so cozy.
2. Food Storage
   I began replacing our plastic Tupperware with glass containers. I didn’t do it all at once–just one piece at a time when it made sense for our budget.
3. Candles
   I said goodbye to Bath & Body Works candles (sad, I know) and started using soy or beeswax candles instead. I also use a candle warmer to avoid burning altogether–it’s cleaner and safer, especially with little kids.
4. Fabric Softener
   We swapped traditional fabric softener for plain white vinegar. There’s no lingering smell, and it works just as well without the extra chemicals.
5. Nonstick Cookware
   We replaced our scratched-up nonstick pans with a Carote set. It’s non-toxic, affordable, and works great for our family.

Bonus Swap: Air Fresheners
I ditched Febreze and instead invested in an air purifier. It actually cleans the air instead of masking odors.

Final Thoughts: It’s Okay to Go Slow

If you’re just starting your non-toxic journey, here’s what I want you to hear:

You don’t have to do it all today.

Start small. Be kind to yourself. Don’t let guilt or Instagram get in your head. And when it feels like too much? Give that weight to God. He’s not asking for perfection–just obedience, peace, and progress.

Want a Simple Reminder of These Swaps?

I made a free printable version of my first 5 non-toxic swaps to save to your phone or stick on your fridge.
Grab it here.

And if this post helped you feel a little more calm and a little less crazy–will you pin it or share it with a friend?

You’re not alone in this.

Love,
S

The post How I Started Ditching Toxins (And the first 5 swaps that actually stuck) appeared first on Milk & Honey.