I was going to post about the gifts I’m giving my family, but I’m not sure if they read the blog or not, so I don’t want to ruin the surprise. Instead, I’ll give a little update on my resolution progress.

Stop biting my nails. I’ve refrained from biting my nails since Saturday. They’re growing slowly, but I really should start taking my vitamins again to help them out.

Figure out what I believe in. Husband and I have been going to church (two weeks in a row now!). I’m still trying to figure things out on my own, though. Over the summer, I’m hoping to sign up for a Religions of the World class, if it’s available.

Figure out my purpose / Become more clearly myself. As part of 20sb’s Blogger Tour, I’m participating in Stratejoy‘s “Joy Equation.”* It’s a 30-day program of figuring out how to overcome the quarterlife crisis and “live your life on purpose.” I’ll be journaling daily, and with the help of Molly Hoyne, I will hopefully figure out my purpose.

Maintain a happy, healthy marriage. Honestly, right now, this one is the easiest. I’m not saying things are always perfect, but we’re at a good place right now. We’re learning how to support each other every day.

Yoga. Okay, this is where I need YOUR help. (Hey, Doniree! Or anyone, really.) I’m not sure where to begin, exactly. I have the equipment, but do you have any suggestions on where to start?

*Disclaimer: Yes, this is offered to me for free as I was one of the chosen members of 20sb after I signed up.

Yesterday, I posted my resolutions as a 21-year-old. Well, I have another to add to the list. Stop using artificially scented products. Or at least cut back on them as much as possible.

Did you know that artificial fragrances can store themselves in your body and have been linked to cancer? Not only that, but musks don’t biodegrade. I found all of this information through Body & Soul magazine in this article:

Synthetic musks, for instance — widely used in perfumes, deodorants, and detergents — have been linked to cancer. They can bioaccumulate, or store themselves in the body, and have been found in breast milk, which means that nursing infants ingest them. Research indicates that these musks don’t biodegrade; they’ve been found polluting watersheds and the plants and animals that live there. Another worrisome class of chemicals, phthalates, are often used in fragrance because they allow the smell to last longer. They have been linked to changes in the reproductive and endocrine systems as well as in the liver, kidneys, and adrenal glands. (via)

What’s even scarier is the fact that, while cosmetics must have ingredients listed, laundry detergent and cleaning supplies aren’t required to list their ingredients. You know, the laundry detergent that you use to wash your clothes, which you wear all day? Yeah, your body is ingesting those harmful chemicals. Even air fresheners, though you don’t spray them on yourselves, can cause damage because you’re still breathing in the chemicals.

What can you do? Stop using scented products, unless they are naturally scented (with essential oils and such). Look at the ingredients of everything you put on our body. If ingredients aren’t listed, find a similar product that does list their ingredients. There are so many “green” products out today, and they aren’t that expensive. Even if they are a few pennies extra, wouldn’t you rather be paying that now than paying for it later on down the line (in terms of medical problems)?

Where can you buy “safe” products?*

• This article has many suggestions from laundry detergent to lip balm to soap.
• Etsy. There are so many shops that make their products from natural ingredients … because they don’t have to mass-produce. They spend time on each individual product to create something safe for you. (Some shops to check out: Pink Parchment Soaps and Mad Hatter Soap Co.)
• Seventh Generation. A natural line of cleaning products from laundry to feminine care.

So, this is where I’m starting. I’m not promising to wipe out these things entirely–not immediately, anyway. It could take some time … But I’d like to get there eventually!

*If you can think of other green products, link to them in the comments!