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Deja shares her ‘organic beginnings’ with us, sharing her vast knowledge about living a healthier, organic life. You can read more about organic, non-toxic living at DejaVuOrganics.com. Deja Cronley is a Registered Nurse turned Blogger. She fell in love with natural living five years ago and has dedicated herself to educating others about organics. She loves Crossfit, the beach, and playing with her kids! Smiles from Lisa xo
Here’s Deja!
When I was pregnant with my first baby four years ago, I did as most moms do and went into hyper research mode. I researched everything from diapers to bedding and discovered my tribe of women crunchy mothers. It was full of moms who cloth diapered, wore their babies, and made their own baby food. At first, I was a bit intimidated and overwhelmed but I quickly felt at ease within this new community.
However, it didn’t take me long to realize organic, natural living was more than organic baby food. It included things like organic clothing, personal care items, essential oils, kitchen supplies and even laundry detergent. Thankfully, I had a great support system. I made it my mission to detox our home as much as possible over the coming months.
From Student to Organic Teacher
Fast-forward three years and I had gone from student to teacher. Of course, there is always more to learn but natural living is no longer a chore it’s just another part of day-to-day life.
During my transition to a more natural life, I became the go-to person among my friends for all things natural. At least once a week, I would get questions about everything from natural bug control to the best home remedy for indigestion. I didn’t mind though and loved sharing what I had learned with those close to me.
After the birth of my second child, I also went from being a Nurse Case Manager to a stay at home mom. Things were going well until my husband’s rheumatoid arthritis became unmanageable. Two months later he had to medically retire which took us from being a one income family to a no income family.
We both wracked our brains for ways to help ends meet and he suggested I take my knowledge of natural, organic living and share what I know with others. Thus, my journey to building my organic business began.
Deja Vu Organics
When I started my blog, Deja Vu Organics, I initially wanted to focus on essential oils. I love EOs because they are a great alternative to conventional medication. There are tons of different oils and they are perfect for organic home remedies, cleaning, and even beauty supplies.
But, as I started to build my content, I realized there is much my readers could benefit from when it comes to organic living, not just essential oils. I now also write about other home remedies, natural cleaning solutions, and how to live a non-toxic life in general.
Throughout my research I have discovered we can all benefit from organic furniture. Crazy, right? Did you know your couch cushions, child’s car seats, carpeting, and even your mattress are all covered in flame retardants?
As reported by the Chicago Tribune:
“The average American baby is born with the highest recorded levels of flame retardants among infants in the world. The toxic chemicals are present in nearly every home, packed into couches, chairs and many other products. Big Tobacco and chemical manufacturers [have] waged deceptive campaigns that led to a proliferation of these chemicals, which don’t even work as promised.”
Sadly, these kinds of facts are not common knowledge which is why I feel it is so important to help educate people about the health risks that can be associated with living a conventional lifestyle and the benefits of small changes to help you live a little more organic and less toxic day-to-day.
Triple Duty – Organic Mom, Blogger, and Teacher
With school starting and my daughter about to turn four, we have started to homeschool which makes me mom, blogger, and teacher. We spend tons of time outside and do lots of projects and hands-on learning which my daughter loves (as does my handsy two-year-old).
Being a work at home mom is great but also comes with its own challenges. I love being with my babies but they hate to see me work which I get. I now limit my work time to after my daughter goes to bed which makes for long days and even longer nights. However, I wouldn’t change a thing about our lives.
I love staying home with my babies while sharing what I have learned with others. It’s tiring but so rewarding when someone writes to tell me I’ve made living an organic lifestyle just a little easier for them, all without missing out on time with my kids (I miss out on sleep but what parent doesn’t?).
Thanks for taking the time to read about my journey. If living a more organic, non-toxic lifestyle is something that may interest you, feel free to contact me. I am always open to answering questions and love helping others!
This is awesome! Living a non-toxic lifestyle is something that’s really important to me & continues to become more & more important as my knowledge grows! I wish there was more communication about the importance of non-toxic products, because many people think that they are their only option! Thanks for sharing!
-madi xo | http://www.everydaywithmadirae.com
Thank you for sharing. Great post. I am actually working on my resource library, so it is good to see someone’s else experience, expecially when my friend recommends it in her post 😉
such a great ideas <3
Wow loved this post! Very eye opening! Will be visiting her blog! Thanks for sharing Lisa!
Hi Ana, you might find the Arbonne post very interesting. It’s surprising to find out what manufacturers put in products we use on our face and body.
Great read! Very informative. This makes me what to change things before we start trying for the next baby. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing this information and your knowledge. It has been 12 years since we’ve been in our organic journey and we absolutely love essential oils in our home. Makes all the difference!
So inspiring! I have never used essentials oils. I will have to start!
What a great story! Being a stay at home mom, nurse, running a business! Jack of all trades!
Wow that’s interesting!…I only buy organic fruits n vegetables n some random stuff though. I will need to start buying eesential oils
Oh wow, I had no idea that there were flame retardants in every day furniture – that’s a piece of information I wish I would’ve known sooner, but glad that I know now. I will definitely have to look into making some changes to the furniture I have and buy. Thanks for the informative post!
I try to get more into a better lifestyle. I tired to grow a garden and it did not work out, I was so said.
I have had years where the garden went gangbusters, and other years when I couldn’t grow anything. Try again next year, fresh is the best!
I always love to learn new things on whatever has to do with a better living and healthier lifestyle! Nice!
I wish I knew more about organics as a whole when my children were babies. This is a great article with lots of ideas to ponder!
Really informative article. Thank you for sharing, I’m always curious about the organic lifestyle.
Interested post! I always prefer the organic in my daily life. Thanks for sharing.
Love EOs too! Thanks for sharing all of this. I am working to make our home healthier but it is a full time job to make so much and keep the research going! Will be following you 🙂
I’ve alaways been interested in this subject, but have never actually tried it myself. Thanks for sharing🌸
Thanks for the info – I had no idea so much went into being organic!
Inspiring story! I think because you were a student of organic child care first it helps you be an effective teacher about it. You know exactly what it is like to be in the shoes of a mother who wants the best for her child, you know what it is like to be a beginner. In addition, you are a living example that it can be do! Keep it up!
I love this I made all of my own baby food I, however, was not successful with the cloth diapers lol. I do not really like taking medication myself so I usually diffuse essential oil blends for the little one. Very informative article . I hope someday to eventually cut out all the use of chemicals in the householod .
Hi Tachi, it is awesome that you made your own baby food, can’t get more natural than that! I used to do both cloth and disposable diapers when my girls were little. At times, we had two of our own in diapers and I ran a licensed daycare with up to 7 more little ones in diapers. I tried my best, that’s all we can do, keep learning and finding better, healthier alternatives so we can teach them to our children.
Organic living is something I strive for yet I find so difficult! I try to incorporate it in my life when I can!
Hi Erin, keep trying and learning. The more we do something, the easier it becomes and more of a good habit!
Love this! So glad I found you – I’m an RN turned hippie crunchy sahm mom too! It makes me so happy to see people getting the non-toxic message out there
Hi Megan, I do hope you will pop over and read more great posts about organic living on Deja’s blog, she has a wealth of knowledge to share with all of us.
Great post! I never knew about all this. Thanks for sharing!
I think it’s awesome that you’re taking these steps toward a fully organic lifestyle-good for you!
xoxo, SS
Southern and Style
Very informative! I had no clue about the flame retardants, but it’s something to keep in mind. Definitely. I also love EOs. I really started to look into them when I went “natural” and used them for my hair. Now that I have loc’d my hair I use them for my skin face and body. I also just started using rose water for my hair and I love the way it smells!
Do you have any tips for a natural mosquito repellent? They love to bite me more than anyone else for some reason, but I’m always a bit nervous to douse myself in DEET before going out. With all the warnings I hear about that chemical.
This is interesting Liza and Deja 🙂 I’ve seen some organic products like cloths and stuff but they’re just too expensive for me. Someday maybe.
Hi Karla, some items seem more pricey at first but they usually last a very long time so actually work out the same cost in the end.
I always love learning more about organic living. Thank you, Deja, for sharing this information!
I’m very inspired by reading this blog post. Living an organic and non toxic life makes yourself active and fresh every day. Thanks for sharing some useful information..😃😃
Wow, was not aware about all of the flame retardants. Will definitely be aware of this in the future.
I love essential oils too. They are good for some many things.
I have been thinking about taking that leap into living naturally and organically. I’m definitely going to check out her site
Hi Aleah, thanks for taking the time to read the post! Do connect with Deja as she really has so much knowledge in this area.
WOW, you’re quite the busy bee! I’ve recently embarked on my essential oil journey and I must say I do need a few pointers. I’m really happy that you take the time to give your children the love and education they need. I’d love to go organic when the bill seems fit and I’ll definitely return here for more tips.
Hi Kasia, be sure to check out Deja’s blog as she is my teacher for all things organic!