After I realized how much money natural living would save us in our quest to get out of debt, I got a little obsessed with turning our home into an all-natural, non-toxic haven.

Or, as my mom would say, I became a hippie.

Anyway … I couldn’t learn enough. And, eventually, I discovered that one of my favorite things about this way of living is the DIY aspect.

Who knew you could make your own cleaners, personal care items, food and natural remedies? It was like discovering a whole new world. So naturally, I tackled it all in what felt like a huge DIY whirlwind.

After the dust settled, I learned something very important. I love DIY. But there’s no way I’m doing it all myself.

I live a simple, intentional life that is full of the things I love: family time, homemaking, home schooling, two businesses, community and hospitality. As much as I would love to DIY more, there are other things I choose to fill my time with, so I only DIY the items that benefit us most and that I really enjoy.

And it took me a while to come to terms with that, at least that I’m not going to DIY everything.

You see, there seems to be a common misconception about DIY; an all or nothing mentality that leaves people either too scared to start or too overwhelmed to continue. I’ve been on both sides and I’ll be the first to tell you that they both suck. But the good news is, it doesn’t have to be that way.

Because, as my husband the peacemaker often points out, there is a happy middle ground, a holistic approach to DIY that will leave you feeling empowered and satisfied with your efforts.

How to take a holistic approach to DIY (6 steps to keep it fun and simple)

1. Evaluate what you need

Take a look around your house. What items are you currently buying that you’d love to make yourself? Make a list.

2. Choose a few projects

As in three, max. And I’d group them into categories. For instance, I’d do a cleaning category and try homemade laundry detergent, an all-purpose spray and glass cleaner.

Or, maybe a beauty category with deodorant, lip balm and shampoo/body wash.

The point is to not set out to DIY everything in your house this week.

3. Make them

Now, it’s time to get to work. Gather your recipes, supplies and ingredients and get to work. You can do one recipe at a time, or all three. But try to refrain from doing more. It’ll just leave you wiped out with a big mess to clean up.

4. Evaluate

So, how’d it go? Are you pleased with all the results? Does anything need tweaking? Is there anything you hate? Or maybe you love the finished product, but not enough to regularly go through the process of making it?

Be honest with yourself.

The sooner you do that, the sooner you can choose other projects you love (both the process and finished product) and find all-natural, non-toxic sources for everything else.

5. Find a good source for what you’re not going to DIY

I’m the first to admit that I don’t DIY everything … and it’s ok. Since I do choose to buy certain items, I want to make sure I’m getting them from excellent sources. And I’m quite picky about certain things. Which is why most of my stuff comes from:

• Vitacost
• Etsy (usually friends of mine who make excellent products)
• Certain local stores

Find a few trusted resources to buy what you need.

6. Repeat

There are so many areas in your home where this can apply. Take food for instance. Most of my food is made from scratch. I love to cook and my husband is a particularly good baker. But we don’t make everything ourselves.

Sometimes, I whip up some homemade yogurt. Often, I buy plain whole milk yogurt from companies I trust. Same goes with sourdough bread, ice cream and a handful of other real foods.

Have some grace with yourself. You can be a DIY queen, but you don’t have to do it all.

What’s been the hardest part of your DIY journey?