Party of 2... I mean 3!

Big news on the homestead!  

Baby C joined the homestead in August
 and isn't he just the cutest!

My husband I were blessed with a healthy baby boy in August. Yes, I know that was 7 months ago, but for those of you who have children, understand the struggle is real.  I am lucky to even know today is Friday. It is Friday, right? <jk>

Baby C is now 7 months old. He's a curious little boy, strong and smart. He's already got a mind of his own, disregarding "early-childhood normalities" and pulling himself up onto his feet. No, we haven't seen him crawl yet, but maybe he's skipping crawling and heading straight for walking? 

Over these past few months, I've come to realize we have a new life. An enhanced life. With our boy by our side, we see the world in a whole new light. I'm not only learning more about my son and husband, I'm also exploring myself as a parent. I've been trying out new and old parenting theories (elimination communication, anyone?), rediscovering the joy of gardening and attempting to live a more holistic lifestyle. I'm starting Nashville Homestead back up, and I hope you'll follow along and learn from my attempts, successes, projects and fun!

Easy Homemade Toothpaste

This past weekend I bought my first essential oil, peppermint! What to do? What to make? The ideas were endless.  Conveniently we were running low on toothpaste!  I searched online for a few recipes for toothpaste but ended up just making up my own recipe.

You will need coconut oil, stiva, essential oil of your choice, and baking soda.  Not bad! Only four ingredients!

1/4 c. softened coconut oil

1/4 c. baking soda

1/4 c. truvia (or sugar of your choice)

1/2 tsp. of essential oil (I used peppermint)

Step 1: Soften coconut oil.  I set mine on the stove top after I had just finished dinner in order to soften the oil.  Of course, you can always microwave it for about 30 seconds too.

Step 2:  Mix coconut oil, baking soda, Truvia and mix.  The consistency will be just like toothpaste.

Step 3:  Add essential oil for flavor.  I started with 1/2 tsp and added to taste

Place paste in an air tight container.  I used a simple pint mason jar.  Of course I had to test it out on my husband!  It is a little strong on the baking soda side but its a great non chemical alternative to the store bought toothpaste.  I have been using this toothpaste along with coconut oil pulling and my teeth feel great!