Meet the Moms: Introducing Corrina

Corrina is a first-time mom to Fletcher, an adorable little boy who just turned 1. She's passionate about sharing her tips and advice about clean, non-toxic living with other mamas and you can follow her on Instagram @trendyandtired.

What’s your name? Any nickname?

Corrina but my family still goes by a childhood nickname of Corri. No one other than family even knows about it. I guess I was a little embarrassed about having a name that sounded like a boy's name. Now I think it’s pretty awesome.

Live in? Grew up in?

I was raised in Somerset Pennsylvania and moved to Ligonier Pennsylvania when I was 15. Most beautiful town. I have lived in a few other small towns since.

You’re the mom of...

Fletcher a little boy who is just turning 1.

What made you want to be more careful about things you were buying for your house or your kids? Was there an “aha” moment or specific event?

I personally have always been more sensitive to fragrance and I developed this passion for trying to figure out things that didn’t break me out in hives or make me feel itchy. I got into using Castile soap for so many things. As far as being less wasteful I honestly had no clue what was going on until I read something that opened my eyes. “Every plastic made still exists.” I am still working on it and trying to persuade my husband to work towards it more every day.

How did you get started? What were the first few changes you made?

It started a few years ago after I first got married. I don’t think it was really one specific moment but just becoming more aware. I have an aunt who went through cancer and talked with me about how many things went hand in hand with that. I started slowly first buying organic produce, then household cleaning products or making my own, and just eliminating chemicals/toxic ingredients. I have an app Think Dirty that helped me too. It has taught me to look at ingredients now and avoid fragrance. Then I got a little more aware of the environment and how much plastic waste and just waste in general has become. I’m still learning but I use a stainless straw and try to bring a water bottle with me. I try to buy wooden toys over plastic and when I do buy plastic I like to buy them made out of recycled plastic. I think even little changes day by day can make a difference.

What are some benefits you have seen over time, are there things that worked well for you?

A big one is not having so many issues with my skin. Laundry detergent that would have the word “sensitive” in it would break me out pretty bad. It never occurred to me that there was still fragrance in it. I knew my son would probably inherit my skin problems so I tried to use more natural products on him as well. He developed eczema and when I switched to organic cotton clothing I saw a huge change in his skin. I also avoid any of the smelly good baby products out there and just use a baby Castile soap on him. It works perfectly and the bottle lasts forever.

Any tips you'd like to share with moms who just heard about these issues and trying to figure out their first steps?

I would say to read as much as you can. There is so much out there that it can feel overwhelming but even just starting little by little will really make a difference. Don’t beat yourself up if you accidentally buy something that maybe you shouldn’t have. Be more mindful of your body/your family and the environment and you’re doing your part.

❝ When I switched to organic cotton clothing I saw a huge change in his skin ❞

What’s most exciting to you about being part of the UpChoose community and what are the most important things we can help you achieve?

I love seeing other people work on these things. In my area it’s not that common. I love seeing other mamas with the same passion as myself. Such a refreshing thing.

Favorite outfit or item from your UpChoose set?

I’ve had so many cute items but this one-piece was a favorite of mine. We wore it all summer!

Here's Fletcher wearing a Kate Quinn Organics onepiece from his UpChoose Baby Set.

You returned to us extra organic baby clothes in addition to what you received in your UpChoose set. How did that work out for you?

It's another great benefit of the model. I started using UpChoose when Fletcher was about 9 months old and I already had organic baby clothes he outgrew. It was in a box that was just taking space in my son’s closet. When I learned I could return not only the clothes I got in my UpChoose set but also these extra items, I thought it was a perfect solution! I knew not only was it just sitting there unable to be used anymore but it still had lots of life yet. I thought I may as well turn it into UpChoose so that it can be used again.

Favorite activities or game you play with the kids?

I love just playing anything with him. He has started loving blocks and when we build him towers he knocks them over within seconds. He’s also really started liking board books that he can turn the pages to. He loves when you read any book though.

Fletcher is wearing a Kate Quinn Organics onepiece from his UpChoose Baby Set

If you could have any superpower what would it be?

That’s so hard lol. I’d say fly. I want to give my son experiences over material things and to be able to just fly anywhere I wanted to save money and just be awesome 😂 

Favorite movie?

I know it’s corny but I love Mamma Mia. It holds a special place in my heart for my grandma who passed. She raised me and it reminds me of her.

Favorite song?

After the storm by Mumford and sons.

Dream place for a vacation?

I really want to go somewhere tropical where I can see clear blue water at least once.

Favorite dish?

My uncle Larry makes the most amazing spaghetti and meatballs. It’s the best.

Corrina's pick: UpChoose Baby Set, 9-12 months, Mild Weather, Clothes-only set, Classic style.

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