• Fragrance-Free Laundry: How It Helped My Child’s Eczema

    The comfort of clean-smelling laundry – at what cost?

    As a mom, I always loved the comforting scent of freshly washed clothes. That “clean” smell made me feel like everything was safe, fresh, and cozy for my family—especially for my kids.

    But when my child started showing signs of eczema—dry, itchy skin that just wouldn’t go away—I began questioning everything we used at home. One thing I hadn’t considered? Our laundry detergent.


    What’s really in conventional detergents?

    Most store-bought laundry detergents contain synthetic ingredients designed to clean powerfully and smell great—but at a cost. Here are some common ones you’ll find on the label (if they even list them):

    IngredientPurposeWhy It’s Concerning
    Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)Cleaning agent (surfactant)Harsh on skin, can strip natural oils
    Artificial FragrancesSignature scentOften includes hidden chemicals, allergens, endocrine disruptors
    Optical BrightenersMake clothes look cleanerLeave residue that may irritate sensitive skin
    MethylisothiazolinonePreservativeLinked to allergic reactions, especially in children

    The connection between scent and skin issues

    At first, I didn’t suspect the detergent. We eat well, moisturize often, and keep our home clean.
    But after switching to a fragrance-free, non-toxic detergent, the change in my child’s skin was undeniable.

    • The redness reduced
    • The itching stopped
    • Their skin felt more hydrated and calm

    And just like that, something as simple as laundry detergent made a real difference.


    Fragrance-free doesn’t mean boring

    When I first considered switching, I was worried:
    Would our laundry still feel fresh? Would the clothes still be clean?

    The answer: absolutely yes. And even better—no overpowering chemical smell, no residue, just softness.


    Next up: the non-toxic detergent we now swear by

    After testing several options, we found a plant-based, fragrance-free laundry detergent that works—and I’ll be sharing all the details in the next post.

    If your child has sensitive skin or you’re curious about switching to safer products, don’t miss the next post:
    “My Favorite Non-Toxic Detergent for Sensitive Skin – Why We Chose Laveree”

    Want to know which brand made the biggest difference for our family?

    Check back for Part 2 — or subscribe to get notified when it’s live!

  • 5 Stylish Ways to Use Smart LED Strip Lights in Your Home Decor

    Smart LED strip lights are a great way to make your home both stylish and energy-efficient. In this post, discover five beautiful ways to use them in your kitchen, bedroom, and more.


    1. Highlight Open Shelving in the Kitchen

    LED strip lights under open shelves create a warm, modern kitchen feel.

    Installing LED strip lights under open kitchen shelves is a subtle yet beautiful way to showcase your dishes or cookbooks.
    Use warm white tones to create a natural, welcoming glow — perfect for late-night tea or early morning coffee.

    Suggested Product:
    TP-Link Tapo L930-5 LED Strip Light


    2. Create a Backlit Headboard in the Bedroom

    Soft LED lighting behind a headboard creates a cozy, hotel-style bedroom vibe.

    For a calm, hotel-like feel, attach smart LED strips behind your bed’s headboard.
    Choose soft hues like amber or light blue to wind down after a long day.

    Backlighting also helps reduce harsh shadows, making your bedroom feel more relaxing and sleep-friendly.
    You can even schedule the lights to dim gradually before bedtime.


    3. Frame Your Living Room TV Setup

    Govee TV backlight

    Placing LED lights behind your TV reduces eye strain and adds cinematic flair to movie nights.
    Use scene settings in your smart light app to automatically switch between “Movie Mode” and “Reading Mode”.

    This simple upgrade can completely change the way you enjoy your favorite shows or games.

    Bonus Tip: RGB lighting behind the TV can subtly match the mood of what you’re watching.


    4. Light Up Staircases or Hallways

    Example of modern LED strip installation on stairs (via Pinterest)

    Smart strips along stair edges or under baseboards make dark areas safer — and more beautiful.
    Use motion sensors or timers so the lights turn on only when needed, saving energy and adding convenience.

    This lighting idea is perfect for families with kids or seniors — stylish and safe.


    5. Add Accent Lighting Behind Furniture

    Accent lighting behind sofas or walls adds visual warmth and depth. (via Pinterest)

    Place LED lights behind large furniture pieces like sofas, bookshelves, or desks to create depth.
    This indirect lighting makes a room feel warmer and more layered without harsh overhead light.

    This lighting trick works beautifully in both modern and cozy interiors.

    Suggested Product:
    Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus


    Final Tip: Automate for Efficiency

    Most smart LED lights allow you to:

    • Set schedules
    • Adjust brightness
    • Create scenes for different moods

    This means you can make your home feel cozy and modern while also saving energy and reducing your power bill.


    Which idea are you most excited to try?

    Leave a comment or tag me on Instagram when you update your space!


    This post contains affiliate links.
    If you choose to purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
    Thank you for supporting this blog and our journey toward clean, conscious living.

  • Best Smart LED Strip Lights for an Eco-Friendly Home in 2025

    Comparing TP-Link Tapo L930-5 vs Philips Hue, Govee & More

    Smart LED lighting is a game-changer for modern homes—not only for setting the mood, but also for saving energy. If you’re someone who cares about sustainability, energy efficiency, and convenience, upgrading to a smart LED light strip is one of the easiest steps toward a greener home.

    Today, we’re taking a closer look at one of Amazon’s most popular options, the TP-Link Tapo L930-5, and comparing it with other top-rated smart LED light strips like the Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus, Govee RGBIC Strip, and Xiaomi Yeelight.


    Why Choose Smart LED Strip Lights?

    Before jumping into comparisons, here’s why smart LED lighting is worth considering—especially for eco-conscious users:

    • Energy Efficiency: LED lights use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
    • Smart Control: Adjust brightness, set timers, and control via voice or app.
    • Long Lifespan: LED strips can last for tens of thousands of hours.
    • Mood-Setting: Create ambiance, sync with music, or enhance productivity—all while saving energy.


    1. TP-Link Tapo L930-5 – Budget-Friendly & Feature-Rich

    The TP-Link Tapo L930-5 is a solid pick for anyone starting with smart lighting. It’s affordable, versatile, and doesn’t require a separate hub.

    Top Features:

    • 50 customizable color zones for creative lighting
    • App control via the Tapo app
    • Works with Alexa & Google Assistant
      Music sync and scheduling features
    • Energy-efficient operation

    Why it’s eco-friendly:

    The L930-5 uses power-efficient LEDs and offers precise scheduling to avoid energy waste when you don’t need the lights.


    2. Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus – Premium Quality, Higher Cost

    Check on Amazon

    Philips Hue is a household name when it comes to smart lighting. While it’s more expensive, it delivers top-notch build quality and deep smart home integration.

    Pros:

    • Seamless sync with other Hue products
    • Brilliant color accuracy
    • Supports Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant

    Cons:

    • Requires Hue Bridge for full functionality
    • Pricey compared to others

    Good for: Homeowners who are already invested in the Hue ecosystem and want a premium experience.


    3. Govee RGBIC LED Strip Lights – Great Effects, App-Based

    Check on Amazon

    Govee is known for vibrant, dynamic lighting effects. Their RGBIC strips let you display multiple colors at once—great for gaming setups or mood lighting.

    Pros:

    • Music sync and DIY effects
    • No hub required
    • More affordable than Hue

    Cons:

    • App can be buggy
    • May not integrate as smoothly with smart home platforms

    Eco factor: While not explicitly marketed as “green,” its LED tech still saves energy, and app control helps limit usage.


    4. Xiaomi Yeelight Smart Strip – Minimalist and Affordable

    Check on Amazon

    Yeelight offers a simple, sleek design at a budget price. It’s easy to set up and doesn’t require a hub.

    Pros:

    • Direct Wi-Fi control
    • Voice assistant compatibility
    • Compact and minimalist

    Cons:

    • Less vibrant compared to Hue or Govee
    • Limited customization


    Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Buy?

    If you’re looking for a smart, energy-saving LED strip that’s both powerful and affordable, the TP-Link Tapo L930-5 is a great starting point. It’s perfect for eco-conscious homeowners who want modern lighting without the high cost or complexity.

    However, if you’re building a premium smart home system or want maximum lighting customization, Philips Hue or Govee could be worth the extra investment.


    This post contains affiliate links.
    If you choose to purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
    Thank you for supporting this blog and our family’s journey toward natural wellness.