2. Ingredient Journey

Embracing Ingredients Over Store-Bought Products: My 5-Year Journey

Over the past five years, I’ve been on a transformative journey to change the way I approach food, beauty products, and overall wellness. This past year, in particular, has marked a significant milestone as I focused on building my pantry and apothecary—choosing ingredients over pre-packaged, store-bought products.

The decision to prioritize raw materials wasn’t just about avoiding additives or saving money; it was about reclaiming control over what I consume and use daily. Instead of being limited by pre-made options, I wanted to embrace the creativity and mindfulness that comes with crafting my own essentials.

The Journey to Mindfulness

This process has been about so much more than the end results. It’s been a journey of learning and experimentation—figuring out how to preserve seasonal produce, blend my own herbal teas, create tinctures, and even make skincare products that feel good on my skin.

Along the way, I’ve discovered the joy of connecting with nature and tradition. There’s something deeply satisfying about understanding the roots of what we use every day, from food to beauty products, and having the power to tailor them to my needs.

Of course, it hasn’t been without its challenges. Learning new techniques, finding high-quality ingredients, and navigating trial and error has required patience. But the rewards have been worth every step. I feel more in tune with what I put in my body and on my skin—and better for it, both physically and mentally.

A Year of Building My Pantry and Apothecary

This past year has been a big leap forward. My pantry is now filled with homemade staples like dried herbs, fermented goods, and preserved fruits and vegetables. My apothecary shelves hold handcrafted tinctures, salves, and herbal blends designed to support mine and my family’s health naturally.

Every jar and bottle feels like a small victory—a reminder of the effort I’ve put into building a more intentional life. It’s been empowering to move away from convenience culture and rediscover the value of simplicity and self-sufficiency.

Looking Back on Five Years of Transformation

Reflecting on my overall five-year journey, I’m amazed at how much has changed. I’ve gone from being completely sedentary and dependent on pre-packaged food, commercial beauty products and convenience to embracing a lifestyle rooted in ingredients, mindfulness, creativity, wellness and movement.

This transformation hasn’t just improved my physical health; it’s also brought a sense of empowerment and connection. Knowing exactly what goes into the products my family uses—and having the skills to create them myself—has been liberating.

Moving Forward

There’s still so much to learn and explore, but I’m excited to keep growing on this path. Whether it’s refining techniques, discovering new recipes, or connecting with others on a similar journey, the possibilities feel endless. I look forward to my next venture in canning then freeze drying.

If you’ve ever thought about taking steps toward a more intentional, ingredient-focused lifestyle, I encourage you to start small. Swap one store-bought item for something you can make yourself or source locally. Every step forward is a step toward empowerment, mindfulness, and a healthier way of living.

Here’s to embracing the beauty of ingredients and the endless possibilities they bring. Let’s reclaim the joy of creating and living intentionally!