So, can a bath really boost health, relieve stress and calm fear? Absolutely!
We really value much of what Dr. Axe has to say about the importance of choosing natural options for best health practices. He has written a few articles on the benefits of a good detox bath. Here is a lil’ exerpt form one of his articles. “…allowing our bodies (and minds!) time to rest and rid themselves of toxins is essential to staying healthy. After all, if you’re not feeling your best, you can’t give anything — or anyone else — 100 percent.
Toxins are poisonous substances that negatively affect our health. We expose ourselves to toxins on a daily basis, from sources like pollution, processed foods, and pesticides. And when we don’t release these toxins, it’s reflected in our health and the way we feel throughout the day. That’s why I’m such a fan of detox baths.
Detox Bath Benefits
While there are many ways to detox, one of the easiest and most relaxing is through a detox bath. The best part? They’re insanely easy to make at home. You’ll get all the benefits you’d find in a high-end spa bath at a fraction of the price and in the comfort of your own home.
Using essential oils (which strengthen the immune system and support your inflammatory response), along with common household items like baking soda + epsom salts… can help flush impurities from the body by allowing it to sweat out toxins.” Tell me, who doesn’t need a little bit of that right now?
“I recommend doing a bath for about 40 minutes to an hour for best results. The first 20 minutes will give your body time to remove toxins from your system while the last 20 to 40 minutes will allow you to absorb the minerals in the water and help you emerge from the bath feeling rejuvenated. Make sure to use hot water — it’ll help you sweat out impurities.”
Here is what Dr. Mark Hyman has to say about the importance of a good detox. (Dr. Hyman is a practicing family physician and an internationally recognized leader, speaker, educator, and advocate in the field of Functional Medicine.)
“When our bodies become toxic it means that our natural method of ushering out metabolic waste from normal human metabolism, environmental pollution, and what has become known as the Standard American Diet (or SAD) has exceeded the threshold for what the body’s innate detoxification system can tolerate. With this toxic load, every system in the human body can become affected. From our head to our toes and everything in between, toxicity makes us sick!” - Mark Hyman
So basically you are getting the message that a good detox bath can induce a relaxing effect on the nerves and the brain, right?
And depending upon the essential oils you pick, you will see some additional benefits.
For balancing a grounding go for some wood oils.
For skin support and calming go for the florals.
For uplifting and encouraging go for the citrus oils.
And whichever you choose for those I would add a few drops of the following to enhance and magnify the Impact of the detox: Blue Tansy, Frankincense, Vetiver, Copaiba. These oils have a huge variety of ways they support your body functions and your mental processes. They are TERRIFIC for the skin. They are also oils that have a very large variety of benefits for overall health.
With all of the stressors out there right now I can’t encourage this enough. Try it and let us know what you think.
Okay, that title may be a little dramatic… but what if it’s not? I mean, have you checked out what your FRAGRANCES are filled with? Take a look. Now investigate what those redjsk;fwemlfadsjfk;dagna unpronounceable words are, what they were possibly created for in the first place, and IF you are BRAVE ENOUGH… see how they could potentially harm your health. (Check out ratings on EWG - environment working group) It’s crazy, and it should be illegal. But in the name of fragrance let’s stop once and for all. These chemicals are literally damaging our systems. Our chimneys (filters) are getting clogged and our cells are getting damaged. Enough is enough.
“But, it’s only a scent. It’s not like I am ingesting it.” Well, actually… breathing in toxic chemicals is very damaging and it does end up in your bloodstream. On top of that, you are applying it to your skin which also absorbs it into your bloodstream.
Now consider the other places that you have hidden “fragrances”: candles, sprays, plug-ins, cleaners, lotions, makeup, shampoo, and more. I wonder if you made an inventory list how long it would be? I know a few years ago my list would have been L-O-N-G. I still have a few but nothing like I used to. And absolutely no perfume whatsoever, outside of my yummy homemade, all-natural, DIY perfume made with fresh-smelling essential oils.
I know our team LOVES the benefits of these naturally delicious perfumes. They are so inexpensive to make and they help relieve feelings of tension, anxiousness + intensity. They start by encouraging BIG DEEP BREATHS. Next thing you know you feel more grounded and are thinking a bit more level-headed. Sometimes we just need to buy ourselves a little more time to reframe our thoughts.
I have been using Mel Robbins 5 second rule along with my little mini bottle of natural perfume I have stashed in my purse. So easy to grab it, breathe in, count backwards “5-4-3-2-1” and ask God to show me His truth over the matter at hand. This process is a thing of beauty and has TOTALLY tipped the cap off to release the pressure in the heat of the moment. Ahhhh.
Try it! Let me know how it works for you.
BTW: I highly recommend you check out Mel Robbins tips. She is a no-nonsense, straight shooter. She cuts right to it and gives really valuable resources for FREE! I have loved learning from her and applying it with the knowledge I have about detoxing other heavily loaded areas of my life. I have found she helps deal with a lot of core issues that contribute to the larger problem. So GOOD!
For a few months now God has been pressing on me to share this. It’s pretty vulnerable and raw for me. Honestly, it just brings a ton of tears with every word I type. You see, music has been the healing balm to my heart. Well, hear me out for a minute, by healing balm I mean it is something I am applying to my life that is aiding the process towards healing. It isn’t a one time application. And that is why this post will eventually become a series of posts that God intends for me to share with you.
So, I’ll give you a little back story. Several months ago I was writing scriptures on my wall with my metallic gold pen while blasting worship songs from my portable speaker. At one point, as I was emotionally scribbling quite carelessly, the written words being scribbled on the wall began to match the lyrics sounding from the speaker… and then within minutes a text from daughter no.3 came in as the final reinforcement. God was colliding my actions + my intake to a very real place of awareness (that almost felt like an awakening jolt), He saw me, and he was in fact lining things up in my life. A VERY strong, in my face, reminder that He holds the POWER to align whatever he wishes and He is the pure love carrier that meets us in the thick of our chaos and dread. HOPE arrived in a flash that day.
Since then God has continued to use music to be the ONE thing my mind and heart can soften to. Spoken words seem to be quickly drowned out. For some reason people talking, instructing, giving advice… well, it all takes wayyyy too much energy. Probably because my mind is constantly at battle pushing back the memories. Reading leaves me wondering what the words said, and so I repeat, and again they disappear before my brain recognizes them. I don’t even make it off the initial page (other widows have told me this is very normal - that reading and retaining will take years to come back). But put WORDS to a melody? Ahhh, it just flows like honey in the direction of my pain, creating a bittersweet process of darn good grief. And that doesn’t mean it’s easy. It is painful, but it is beautiful, because it is progress. It is the NEXT RIGHT THING.
For some reason sharing this process I go through with the world seems a bit too exposed for me. BUT throughout this WHOLE SHABANG of my husband’s diagnosis and death I have told God to just use me. Pleading with him to constantly remind me to be willing, and to please let the end result be God bringing some form of goodness out of the pain. I’m a strong believer of that process. God wastes nothing! I have seen it happen over and over again, the broken story shared, the revelation of redemption, and the action of it reaching out its loving hope to lift another out of a pit.
So here I am today, sharing a song from a children’s animated movie. Why must it be a song from Disney’s Frozen 2? Well, I hope you will listen to the song and read along to the lyrics. I think you will understand the heart thumps of it as you do, even if you don’t have experience with deep grief yet.
I’ll tell ya, this song left me absolutely frozen in the theater, barely able to breathe. I kept my eyes stuck to the screen without a shift to the left or right where my kids sat. Hoping I could avoid the gasping cry that was forming in my throat. I just prayed through the whole song and asked God to hold me together. It’s heavy and it is OH-SO fitting for someone who has lost a spouse.
Take a listen and let me know how it speaks to you. (Click the title below to listen)
I've seen dark before, but not like this This is cold, this is empty, this is numb The life I knew is over, the lights are out Hello, darkness, I'm ready to succumb I follow you around, I always have But you've gone to a place I cannot find This grief has a gravity, it pulls me down But a tiny voice whispers in my mind You are lost, hope is gone But you must go on And do the next right thing Can there be a day beyond this night? I don't know anymore what is true I can't find my direction, I'm all alone The only star that guided me was you How to rise from the floor? But it's not you I'm rising for Just do the next right thing Take a step, step again It is all that I can to do The next right thing I won't look too far ahead It's too much for me to take But break it down to this next breath, this next step This next choice is one that I can make So I'll walk through this night Stumbling blindly toward the light And do the next right thing And, with it done, what comes then? When it's clear that everything will never be the same again Then I'll make the choice to hear that voice And do the next right thing
I pray this song finds you in a place where you are allowing yourself to FEEL the pain and recognize there is a light to walk towards. God is right here with us. With us in the next choice, the next step, the next tear. He understands like no one else can, and he loves us so deeply.
Clutter. Anxiety can lead to clutter + clutter can lead to anxiety.
Clutter WAY overstimulates our systems (visual, olfactory and tactile), causing our whole being to work overtime on stimuli that aren't necessary or important.
It draws ALL our attention away from where we should be fixing our attention.
Clutter makes it nearly impossible to relax, both physically and mentally.
It constantly sends messages to our brains that we still have a huge to-do list.
It magnifies levels of anxiety because the idea of pile clearing is overwhelming
It creates loads of guilt and embarrassment, particularly when someone drops by unexpectedly.
It frazzles and exhausts us by making it hard to find what we need, when we need it.
InLife at Home in The Twenty-First Century, anthropologists, social scientists, and archaeologists found a recognizable link between the over-abundance of household objects ( "stressful" home environments) and a person’s health. Women's long-term well-being was drastically impacted. (Men, not so much… apparently messes aren’t as stressful to them as a whole). They measured cortisol levels over a number of days and in cluttered or messy homes, they found a WAY higher rate of depressed moods were evident. Conscious consuming is key!
Why? We simply have too much surrounding us. An average room has over 2,000 visible objects in it. It's no wonder we're over-stimulated and anxious!
Getting rid of things can be emotional work. Even when you gear yourself up to declutter you can find yourself stuck in an emotional funk. The sentiment of the items (after all you kept it for a reason), guilt about the value of the items (shouldn’t I sell this, yep, let me put it back to sell later) and other factors can make the actual purging process slow down tremendously, if not halt it altogether. But we MUST find a way to just “Let it go, let it go….” (sing it if you must) in order to gain back a sense of calm + peace.
And hear this… Clearing clutter is not the same as organizing it to make it look pretty. Purchase all the bins you want, you can still be overwhelmed by TOO MANY + TOO MUCH. For those riddled with anxious levels of clutter you need to start at ground level. Making it look more managed temporarily doesn’t address the core issue of collecting or being unable to part with the items, which means you will just continue on with more of the same. For lasting change, you must PUSH OUT the clutter- and not just a scattering of items. You must do enough work that everything has its place and its purpose. Wait, let me switch that around into the proper order. So that everything has its purpose in your home and then find its place to reside and be easily found when needed.
With ALL of the family loss our tribe has experienced over the last 15 years I have had my share of holding tight to what was left… The STUFF, whether they held memories for me or not they were once held by my loved ones. That was the closest I could get to them this side of heaven and so I displayed it or tucked it (shoved it) into a storage place. It was chaotic, crammed and sad. It was out of control and boy was I stressed for a good decade. Thank goodness I found some things to help me start the process of decluttering and finding my way back to sanity (and boy did I try a host of things).
Here are some of my favorites - let’s call them TIMELESS CLASSICS:
The Slob Sisters introduced me to a great practical, go-get-it, purging system. AND they have this incredible file card system addressing daily, weekly, monthly and annual, bite sized chore lists that were so easy to use with the kids. I’d let them pick whatever daily card they wanted to do that day. At one point the kids were eager to be first to the file box to pick their card before the others and get cleaning. Say what? It also covers some of the easily forgotten seasonal tasks around the home. LOVE this one! So thankful it is still in print.
She taught me that the time of day can matter, and a host of other things. Who knew making the sink sparkle at night could really make me feel better in the morning? She did!
These two may seem a bit outdated in visual design BUT they are a timeless and trusted resource that will really give you a terrific foundation for detoxing the chaos in your home.
Which leads me to the main point, it’s important to find the way that works for how you are wired. Decluttering is KEY for ALL, no doubt. But how you accomplish, how you maintain it, finding your creative routine is critical to staying successful. AND identifying your mental process that contributes to the clutter party is essential.
Find your grove + your routine. Here is an interesting one I ran across that was posted in Apartment Therapy. It is all about a weekend cleaning routine, leaving your workdays a bit more relaxed. I imagine this would be a great concept for those with stressful jobs, where you just need to come home and relax at the end of the day. Do a little self care and catch those quality Zzzzzz’s.
Weekend Cleaning Only routine posted over on Apartment Therapy: ( Check it out here )
There are a lot of options out there… possibly too many. So don’t get your brain spinning too much on finding the perfect one before you start. Start with one and take away what works well for you. Then dig into another if you need to tweak it up a bit.
And just a reminder as you are going through the home detox motions: The STUFF is not the person. Whether you cling to things to remind you of days gone by, relationships lost, or because you think it contributes to your value… those are all lies. If you truly love the item to your core, keep it. Like if you would pay a pretty penny for it because you just love it that much, then yes, by all means let it spark joy for you. Otherwise free yourself from the bondage of uncontrolled THINGS contributing to a toxic home and/or mindset.
Most importantly. Have grace for yourself. It is going to be okay, you ARE okay. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that you are love-able just the way you are. Messy, chaotic, frazzled, feeling stuck, anxious. Whatever led you to this article I hope you walk away feeling encouraged to just take baby steps and move forward little by little. Don’t you worry, you’ll get there. And if you need a little extra help along the way I have posted some recipes for essential oil blends that will help your body to feel supported and relaxed. They are SO UPLIFTING that I just find myself doing BIG DEEP BREATHING. Well, the benefits of deep breathing, there is another whole post right there. For now, trust me, diffuse or roll these blends of essentials…. your emotions will thank you!
Let’s make the decision to be mindful de-toxers + conscious consumers from here on out.
Man, it's being talked about everywhere. How many of you are starting to get a wee bit concerned? Well, word to the wise, the worst thing you can do is STRESS yourself over it. It's wreaks havoc on the immune system and that is the one thing you want stronger than ever..
BOOSTING the IMMUNE SYSTEM seems to be the focus of the month.
The immune system has a vital role: It protects your body from harmful substances, germs and cell changes that could make you ill. It is made up of various organs, cells and proteins.
As long as your immune system is running smoothly, you don’t notice that it’s there. But if it stops working properly – because it’s weak or can't fight particularly aggressive germs – you end up down for the count. Ugh. So let’s find out how to help keep it STRONG!
There’s a L-O-N-G list of things you can avoid and increase in order to support your immune system better. We are going to cover just a few of them that we know are KEY. Let’s check it out
Things to REDUCE for the health of your IMMUNE SYSTEM. This is where I would start. This is not a complete list by any means.
Cut out sugar. Eating sugar may put your white blood cells into a temporary coma. Even as little as two sugary sodas a day can lower the power of your germ-busting immune cells by 40%. Don’t risk it. Find the hidden sugars in your foods and try to stay in a range 50-100 grams of carbs a day, if doing keto even lower.
Overexerting. Prolonged stress, intense strain on your body, or operating on too little sleep leads to a weakened immune system. A healthy dose of daily exercise will boost your immune system and reduce your stress but don’t exhaust yourself when trying to build your immune system, or it will have the opposite affect you are looking for.
Alcohol. There are SO MANY ways alcohol impairs your immune system, leaving you more susceptible to threats. It’s important to know that the microbes living in your intestines, your gut’s microbiome, play an important role in fighting diseases.
When you consume larger amounts of alcohol it has many negative effects on your digestive system. It damages the epithelial cells in your intestines, making it harder to absorb many nutrients. It also severely disturbs your gut’s microbiome, significantly altering the balance of healthy and unhealthy bacteria. Alcohol affects the way health gut microbes interact with the immune system. Alcohol also disrupts the gut barrier, allowing more bacteria to pass into the blood. These rogue bacteria can cause inflammation in the liver and may lead to liver damage. Alcohol doesn’t just affect the function of the digestive tract. It also affects the respiratory system. Excessive drinking may impair the function of immune cells in the lungs and upper respiratory system. Because the immunity of the mucus is impaired in both the lungs and digestive tract, any disease can become more severe. PLEASE be cautious with alcohol consumption during this critical season. I know it can help calm the nerves, but is it worth the risk?
And here are the SUPER IMPORTANT pieces to supporting a STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM.
1. Hydrate. Keep your immunity up by drinking plenty of water to stave off infection. Staying hydrated helps your body naturally eliminate toxins and other bacteria that may cause illness. It helps to carry oxygen to your body cells, which results in properly functioning systems. By adding a little lemon essential oil to your water it helps give an extra boost so your body can remove toxins with ease.
2. Quality Sleep. Get a solid 7-9 hours of RESTFUL sleep. Getting DEEP sleep is different than shifting around trying to sleep. That solid state of peaceful bliss is what we want to achieve. I get it, when our minds are consumed this can be tough. We will post a few recipes this evening with ideas for relaxing before bed.
Personally I can’t even try to sleep without a diffuser running near my bed. Most nights I prefer a fresh respiratory support blend that helps me to breathe deeply while settling in to slumber. Since my husband ’s diagnosis, and his passing, peaceful sleep has been so hard to find. So I rarely go without a natural supplement that REALLY helps me to relax enough to fall into deep sleep without feeling groggy. I’ll post a sleep kit option below if you think this is something that could help you. And please reach out to me if sleep or stress is a struggle.
Click: >>—-> Bundle Deal Sleep Kit : comes with 12 months of 25% off everything + gobs of goodness from our crew
3. Gut + Overall Health. Your gut is the core of your overall health. Feeding it an immune boosting diet of nutrient dense foods, probiotics, proper supplements, and fermented foods is crucial to maintaining a strong, healthy body. And it helps your brain too! Getting what you need in your food can be tough these days, with the quality of food available. So a whole food supplement is a great addition, as well as digestive enzymes to make sure your gut is actually breaking down your food and absorbing all it can from it.
Overall Health. Your immune system uses nutrients to fight infections. That’s right , food is powerful. So like we just talked about in the gut health portion, finding best quality food is tough. Our land that grows the food is a bit depleted of resources so quality of nutrients is less than optimal for a strong body. That whole food supplement that lifelong vitality brings you really is your BEST every day key body strengthening option. It is balanced, not too much, not too little, perfectly adapted to boost our cultures dietary norm to peak performance.
And let me say this, with the weight of worries on our shoulders and minds right now, this is NO TIME to skimp on helping your body be as effective as it can in fueling its immune system. Having the basic building blocks in place is a MUST. Your body was created to fight what it needs to, it just needs the proper fuel and maintenance to do so. Omega 3’s are vital to a well supported immune system.
If you think you need to do a better job supporting your IMMUNE SYSTEM this set is perfect.
Click >>—> Immune Support bundle: comes with 12 months 25% off everything and a bazillion other perks from our team
We are here to help you find the best way to support your current needs. So please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We would love to help you.
Toxins, in the kitchen. Where are they, what do they do? Do the toxins really hurt us that much?
Have you spent much time considering the toxins in your kitchen? I am guessing you have probably taken a look at your cleaners and considered what is included in the ingredients list. If not, that is a great place to begin evaluating on your quest to go toxin free. Prepared to be shocked at what you find. That isn’t what we are covering today though.
Did you know the most harmful way to come into contact with toxins is through ingestion? Anytime we ingest anything, it has a direct route to the bloodstream + begins affecting the body right away.
So is food the only way you introduce chemicals and toxins through ingestion? No, what you cook your food in plays a part too. Pots + pans play a huge role as our food comes into direct contact with it, sits in it, and transform through the process of being exposed to it.
And what about when you’re standing over the food you’re cooking, you are inhaling those gases, Inviting them straight into your body with full access. Using a vent fan can help minimize this, but the ultimate way to avoid this problem of inhaling toxins is by choosing safe cookware to begin with.
Toxic Cookware to Avoid: 1. Ceramic-coated pans
Ceramic pans and cutlery are usually metals coated with a synthetic polymer that is softer than metal. This coating can easily wear off and can only last for about one year. Once the coating begins to wear off and depending on the material beneath the synthetic polymer, toxic metals can begin leaching into your food.
2. Non-stick cookware (Teflon)
Non-stick cookware contains a similar synthetic coating of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is a plastic polymer that can release harmful and carcinogenic gases at temperatures exceeding 500 degrees Fahrenheit. In humans, these fumes can cause flu-like symptoms several hours after exposure, resulting in a condition called polymer fume fever that is often misdiagnosed as the viral flu. The gases are so toxic that for most birds, they are fatal.
3. Aluminum cookware and aluminum foil
Aluminum cookware is often coated to prevent the aluminum from seeping off the appliance. However, these protective coatings easily chip and wear off. Aluminum can be affordable, but may not be worth the risk of transferring aluminum into your food and contributing to potential aluminum toxicity. Aluminum can accumulate in your brain, lungs, bones, and other tissues, causing tangles in nerve fibers and leading to muscular dysfunction and memory loss.1 Aluminum has not been shown to be a cause of Alzheimer’s disease, but increased levels of aluminum in the brain have been noted in autopsies of Alzheimer’s patients which suggests that aluminum toxicity may be a risk factor in the disease.2 Common sources of aluminum include antiperspirants, some toothpaste, aluminum foil, aluminum cans, and aluminum cookware. Simply ditching the aluminum foil for a glass baking dish can help you reduce your intake of aluminum.
4. Copper pans
Copper cookware is popular because it heats evenly over the surface. However, I do not recommend using it in your home. Uncoated copper can leach into your food and even protective coatings will break down over time. Too much copper can suppress your zinc levels and weaken your immune system,3 interfering with adrenal and thyroid function which most commonly results in fatigue.
They say that small daily decisions lead to long term effects. If that is the case then choosing the right pan is one of the first places to start in reducing toxins in your home.
Here are some great toxic-free choices:
1. Enameled Cast-Iron
Coated cast-iron pans offer the non-stick benefits of Teflon without the harmful gases. Enameled cast-iron pots are easier to care for and available in various colors, but if you want the benefits of iron, then opt for the bare versions.
2. Bare Cast-Iron
When seasoned properly, bare cast-iron is the ideal non-stick surface. It can also transfer small amounts of iron into your food when cooking acidic ingredients. This can be beneficial for those who suspect an iron deficiency and need to increase their iron intake. Bare cast-iron requires a little more care than enameled cast-iron, but it is more affordable and heats more evenly than its enameled counterpart. Bare cast-iron can also be used in an oven or on a grill.
3. Stainless steel
Stainless steel cookware is affordable and very stable at high temperatures. This cookware is non-stick, lighter than cast-iron, resistant to scratching, and lasts significantly longer than coated materials.
4. Carbon Steel
Carbon Steel pans are extremely versatile. Very popular with chefs. They are broiler safe. Like cast iron, carbon steel pans become more and more nonstick over time, without the need for special coatings during manufacturing. Carbon steel pans are thinner and lighter than cast iron, and also more responsive to temperature changes.
5. Glass
Similar to cast-iron and stainless steel, glass is a sturdy material that will not release chemicals or toxic metals into your food. Glass dishes are ideal for baking and storing leftovers. We recommend using glass storage containers instead of plastic in order to avoid toxins.
So, do you have any pans you are ready to toss out with the trash? Which of the safe toxic-free cookware options above seems like the best fit for you? We would LOVE to hear from you.
COOKING TIP for CAST IRON: If you are looking for a terrific video that teaches you how to properly season a cast iron pan here is one from Tasty that we suggest watching! They have some terrific tips on how to care for your cast iron. Thinking the same method could be used to season your carbon steel pan. https://youtu.be/KLGSLCaksdY
How many of you have thought much about the quantity of plants you have in your home?
If you paid attention in science class you probably remember that plants improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis. (Big sigh) Did you know they also increase humidity by transpiring water vapor through microscopic leaf pores? And.... they can passively absorb pollutants on the external surfaces of leaves and on the plant root-soil system.
NASA ran a study and suggests one plant for every 100 Sq. ft. Of living space in order to help remove harmful toxins from the air.
So what could be hiding unseen in our homes (but sucked into our lungs) through our air? ————————————————- Trichloroethylene Symptoms associated with short term exposure include excitement, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting followed by drowsiness and coma.
Formaldehyde Symptoms associated with short term exposure include irritation to nose, mouth and throat, and in severe cases, swelling of the larynx and lungs.
Benzene Symptoms associated with short term exposure include irritation to eyes, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, increase in heart rate, headaches, confusion and in some cases can result in unconsciousness.
Xylene Symptoms associated with short term exposure include irritation to mouth and throat, dizziness, headache, confusion, heart problems, liver and kidney damage and coma.
Ammonia Symptoms associated with short term exposure include eye irritation, coughing, sore throat. UM, no thank you!
Oh my word… does this make you wonder what is lingering in your air? May I suggest something? more plants + more diffusing. YES?
Or maybe you happen to have some of these air purifying plants on the list? If so, would you mind sharing which ones, and how you keep them healthy?
I have two of them already (just by a fluke). However there is one I spotted on the list that I think needs to be added within the walls of my home. The “Kimberly Queen Fern”. Haha. I may be a bit biased seeing as how my name is Kimberly and my netflix favicon is “The Queen”. But for real, isn’t it charming?
So for those of us new to plants in the home, what are the best methods for keeping them alive? How do we keep them from shriveling up into a slow crispy brown death, Well, we need to begin by reading the instructions for placement, proper potting, and care. We can also give them a lil’ extra plant love. >>———>
Here is a recipe we have for you, MAGIC GROW. A natural plant boosting recipe. Mix the ingredients, spray the soil/roots once a month and voila… healthy growing and protected plants.
And as for the air, and increasing health benefits through the air within your home, we have included a terrific air purifying diffuser blend. It will immediately improve air quality and also deter any little plant dwelling pests.
Tea Tree oil is a fantastic insect repellent, it supports a healthy respiratory system, it is an excellent air purifier.
Clove oil is a natural bug deterrent, boosts the immune system, supports healthy circulation, and so much more!
Lemongrass oil boosts self-esteem, confidence, hope, mental strength, and uplifts spirits. It is also a wonderful deodorant. It is known for its detoxing properties, even when applied on the skin.
For those of you new to the idea of essential oils for natural options, I have put together a little PLANT CARE KIT that includes two ultra fine mist spray bottles and the three essential oils listed above. I will also post an AIR PURIFYING KIT for having what you need to detox the air in your home.
With these kits you will also receive a wholesale membership good for one year with it, saving 25% off anything you choose, at any time. AND best of all, our team is here to walk this oil life with you, and as if we aren’t enough you’ll also get full access to our members only education group, and (wait for it) as an added BONUS you’ll receive a beautiful customized welcome packet from our crew. Guys, you won’t look back, EVER. Go, now, run don’t walk.
Some of you may be wondering why you can’t just head to your nearest discount box store and get the same thing for cheaper. Trust me, you can’t. It’s that simple. I’ve seen it all and heard the feedback. This is one area you want to make sure you are getting what you pay for (and in most cases out there you aren’t…this is PROVEN over and over again!) … you want every little drop to be the most cost EFFECTIVE for you. You want this to actually work.
So here are two kits to choose from: (just click the name and it will link you)
If you are planning on snagging either one of these kits make sure to reach out to us to let us know. We want to tailor your welcome gift to your specific needs.
Can’t wait to share DAY TWO of the 21 day Reduce + Reuse Project with you tomorrow.
Welcome to the 21 day reduce + reuse project. We are looking forward to spending a few minutes a day with you talking through some ways you may not have thought about to simplify, improve and save in this sweet life you have in front of you.
This concept of finding creative ways to reduce expenses, reduce stress, save time, improve lifestyle is something quite fun. We are running this as an event over on facebook but we realized something… there are quite a few peeps dropping off of facebook to be a bit more productive, so why not add it day by day to our blog?
So here we are.
We’ll start by introducing ourselves. This Essentially Loved Crew reaches out farther than the two of us but we are the ones hosting this event. We are the mother /daughter duo who dreamed up this beaut.
As the event rolls along we will also have several experts joining in but the two of us will be here day in and day out with you to share the glory of it all and answer any questions you may have.
Over the next 21 days we will focus on 6 main areas.
We’ve been shocked as we have discovered so many hidden delivery systems secretly adding toxins to our daily lives. Some you may be aware of, and others probably not so much. Hopefully you’ll identify a few new ones that will help you clean up your act a little.
We will also be looking at some fun additions to help increase JOY. Because who doesn’t need more of that?
and let’s talk STRESS… enough is enough is enough. We have enough to do, enough pressure, and not enough time… we need to prioritize + simplify. But it isn’t always that easy is it? We are hoping some of our creative ideas will help you to identify some fun ways to restructure and refresh.
We know your load is already heavy so we promise to keep our posts short and sweet. Just enough to have you soak it in, evaluate the impact in your own life and decide if you want to implement a change. Simple, right?
Well, let’s get this ball rolling. Day one is on PLANT DETOX. Say what? Okay… you may immediately think this has everything to do with eating, BUT you may just be wrong on that one. Think NASA. More confused? Check out the next article.
Uh-oh. Don’t worry, we have a recipe that will hold you over until the BEST of the BEST is re-stocked. And honestly, you may like making your own so much that you’ll just stick with it.
If you haven’t heard of this amazing germ-busting spray then we will tell you a little about why you need this. So… in our all natural community we have a FAVE product that we ALWAYS have on hand. doTERRA’s sanitizing hand spray. It is a BEAST when it comes to killing germs - and here’s why:
“doTERRA On Guard Sanitizing Mist purifies hands by eliminating bacteria and other germs on the skin. The moisturizing formula effectively cleanses hands without drying the skin, while the doTERRA On Guard blend of CPTG® of essential oils provides an uplifting citrus spice aroma.”
This product has served our families SO WELL over the years helping us from avoiding many of those little extras that try to stick to our hands and impact our bodies. However, as some of you may know this product has flown off the shelves just like toilet paper has. So, what’s a girl to do but recreate the recipe best she can.
I don’t claim to have their exact formulation down but the ingredients are the same that are listed on their label. You may want to play with the ratios a bit to find your perfect hand sanitizing spray solution.
I have gone ahead and linked the ingredients below for you for ease of purchase.
(this post contains affiliate links )
You can easily multiply this recipes and put it Into a larger misting bottle to use on larger surfaces as well. I am thinking tables, handles, highchair trays, strollers, shopping cart handles. Oh, it’s really endless, isn’t it?
We hope you LOVE this handy recipe as much as we do. Let us know when you have tried it!
All my life my hair has given me problems. In my younger years it was too straight and too thick. I’ll let you decide which one of these I felt like.
In my pre-teen years my scalp decided to start producing this weird undercoat of what looked like electrocuted locks that shot straight off the top of my head. Tried as I might with product, by the end of the day those little tightly curled frizz bombs would find their way to stand at attention again. That phase stayed put for a good 3 to 10 years. The curling iron, the hot comb, the air brush, oh, they would give me some temporary hope that would hold for a couple hours maybe. And then POOF.
At some point in High School I managed to learn how to control it somewhat. I think it is when the aqua net EXTRA super hold aerosol hairspray, ultra hold hair gel and firming hair mousse came into their glory days. At this point I was pretty confident that the products and the tools would never fail me again.
And the next phase hits …
Give me the babies and I’ll give you:
wavy with the firstborn
bottom of scalp curly with the second,
straight out curly uncontrolled mess after the third
Really? Why does no one talk about these things in the childbirth prep classes? Or am I indeed the only one, a true freak of nature?
Following the babes and traveling into my 40’s my hair decided it wanted to begin showing signs of its age by cropping up some doozies. You know, just those every day, extra stubborn, crazy curly hormonal shooters from my youth? BUT these guys would refuse to be tamed or hold any color. Now creep and creak with me into my fifties and you will find me a smoother, yet still frizzy, frosted grey. And this hair has streaks of won’t-hold-a-curl on the top back layer. What?
WHY? Oh, why must I have the always and ever hair struggle? Seriously, every single decade brought some kind of new challenge…. .
UNTIL the suppliers of all things for salon hair at home began providing professional grade tools for us to use. In fact, whoever it was that talked these into the mainstream shopping world deserves for us to seek them out and give them all the public accolades. They changed life for us stubborn haired girls, didn’t they?We eagerly WELCOME the FLAT IRON (Oh, someone sing a hallelujah with me here.)
I cannot even put words to how grateful I am for the introduction of the flat iron. I mean how would we have ever achieved Rachel from Friends hair status? I will say that this is something you need to be willing to invest a penny into. If you have stubborn hair AT ALL you want to get one that hits 400 degrees and has the features necessary to keep your hair from frying at that high temp. I REALLY like the BaByliss PRO 1-1/2” Ultrathin because it is thin, and small enough to get to the roots, while allowing you to manipulate your hair to do several types of style straight, wavy or curly.
I have to say I am LOVING the sticking around style of beachy hair. Tousled, loose, wavy, curls going every which way and that. PERFECTO! Usually I attempt it with my flat iron and just twist + turn it around as I release it. About 30 minutes later I am ready to go. Takes a minute but I really, really like it.
However, check out this brilliant tool I just found. It has the high temp to straighten the stubborn and a little wing curl part to naturally curl the hair as you run it through your hair. No major twisting and turning required. I think this flat iron / curling wand will save me a ton of time. I cannot wait to try this one.
Tools make ALL the difference in the world for getting your hair manipulated into a particular shape, but the product is what helps protect and hold it for the marathon. A lot of hair products out on the market are actually contributing to hair damage and health risks. Many are known to dry out and crack your hair with the chemicals in them. They get on your scalp and base of your neck where your body absorbs into the bloodstream at a pretty outstanding rate - right there at the base of your brain and top of your spine. And then there is the pulmonary system at work - the breathing, while spraying around your face. And toxins… no thank you.
The problem is there are not a ton of product lines out there that are honestly clean. In fact, there happens to be a ton of greenwashing out there that leads people to believe their products are “better” for them when indeed they ARE NOT.
So here is my all natural, power packed nourishment, product line for your hair. This helps your hair to stay full, thick, healthy and full of shine. The serum protects beautifully and smells SO incredibly fresh.
doTERRA’s Hair Product Line is seriously the BOMB. I have been searching for anything out there to come close and so far, I can’t. Their list of what they won’t include in their hair and skin products is a mile long! Why, because of the health risks. What they do include is incredibly clean ingredients that feed your hair and your body. So as you rinse the product off your hair you have nothing to worry about as it glides down your body finding its way to the drain.
I’d love to hear if you have had hair troubles of your own and what “good-for-you” products you have found to tame the unruliness of it all. Any favorite hair sleeking tools you can’t live without? Please do share! We uncontrollable hair girls need to stick together!
And stay on the lookout, I have a terrific all natural DIY dry shampoo mist recipe coming soon!
Well, it's been a bit longer than I expected for this blog post. It's okay though. No worries on how this plays out. Not setting myself up for failure here, this is a free flowing, moving ship that will come in to port to rest when it wants. And then it will venture out on the next journey when it is stocked and ready to go. Who knows what water we will chart, or what the current will be. We can chart it, the current can redirect us and the weather can create a different set of plans all together. That is life in a nutshell. Thankful I know the creator of all these things. The one who holds it all in the palm of his hands and orchestrates it beautifully to work all together for the good.
This whole concept came to me as I was sitting at my friend’s ocean cabin. The weather outside was dark grey, pouring rain, while sharing the very same sky with bright blue, sunny patches paired with the wind a howling, pushing and demanding movement. Apparently they can all share space together and move through, together as planned. I LOVE that.
That witness brings me great comfort actually. I mean, think about it. How often do we set out on our day, week, month, life plan and have a set of ideas of what it will look like, SHOULD look like anyway. And then something different begins to play out, and our original focus get s a bit clouded. We begin to totally lose sight of it and begin reacting to the new things blowing in. When all of a sudden we remember.... wait... I am supposed to be doing this.."Dang it, I messed up and lost time. I can't believe I messed up again.. I am totally off track.” (Said while waving our hand frantically up in the air answering )"Yes, me, me me... right here, total failure!" Oh, the great slump of defeat.
But friends, look around at the sky. It all exists in the very same air where we take our life giving breath. The very thing that fuels our bodies moves around constantly within all of it. And here is the thing. It still works. It is still a life force. Does that bring anyone else here any comfort?
This is giving me a newfound grace for myself. Yeah... I may move off the path I have set out on but that doesn't take me out of the game... I am still in it and moving forward. I am still creating a journey to be shared, valued, respected and it is POWERFUL + LIFE-GIVING. I am excited to be learning how to navigate better - I think that comes with the balance of: slowing down, inhaling + praying. Yes, I am at the helm... setting the ship to sail in a certain direction. Yes the weather, currents and tides impact and aid or redirect me. But let's keep it real for a minute. God ultimately has the full authority over all: me, my life, my circumstances and whatever else has impact on my plans. And I love that! It brings a newfound freedom and excitement to see what adventures we will be taking together. I can relax a bit in the process of having to get it perfectly planned out and just seek His wisdom as I set out for my dream port.
And here is the thing. When we set out to do something and distraction comes our way. When we respond with a negative, I'm good for nothing mind set, what does it accomplish? Well, we are totally taken out of the game. We become a bi-product to defeat which leaves us incapacitated to move forward like a boat with a broken rudder, we are literally at a stop, stuck +hopeless. Oh please hear me, give yourself a break. Let the rays of grace soak into your skin, let your mind recognize the warmth that very grace has to offer. You my dear, simply cannot control everything, and you weren't ever meant to. God knows exactly how your days will count, and you just have to show up in His ask and say YES.
Set out on the course of your dreams, enjoy the distractions, pray through the challenges, find your strengths in the unforeseen adventures. Let’s begin by eliminating our need to steer + control our own ship while getting the wind knocked out of our sails when God re-routes us.
He then reached down from heaven, all the way from the sky to the sea. He reached down into my darkness to rescue me! He took me out of my calamity and chaos and drew me to himself, taking me from the depths of my despair! Even though I was helpless in the hands of my hateful, strong enemy, you were good to deliver me. When I was at my weakest, my enemies attacked— but the Lord held on to me. His love broke open the way and he brought me into a beautiful broad place. He rescued me—because his delight is in me! Psalm 18:16-19
He DELIGHTS in you. He cares about your journey and has incredible plans for you. Let go of the need to control, relax + trust Him. He has incredible things planned for you. BREATHE it all in. It is a BEAUTIFUL thing, a BEAUTIFUL LIFE, even in the midst of a stormy sea.
Today I allowed myself a few minutes to dig back into my instagram posts from the last two years in order to allow myself to see where I have been and how far I have come. Because here is the deal, I have been feeling a bit stagnant, immobile, stuck in the thick of the grief. However, I remembered that a few months ago God reminded me how these seasons serve as a purpose to get us to the next hill to rise up on.
In October he showed me this:
“God has been carrying me in this valley. It is barely any effort of my own. Every time I try I fall flat. I just don’t seem to have the energy or mental space to sit and process with Him. Or maybe I am avoiding, skirting around and dodging the deep things? Not sure. Time will tell. But the question that keeps coming with my awareness of my avoidance is “Do I trust?” Is that what is stopping me from sitting in His presence?⠀ ⠀ I’ll be honest here- additionally Church has been a hard place to step into, so many memories. So, so many memories. Attending, leading, dreaming, building a family together, and healing. Healing happens in church, healing happens with God. ⠀ ⠀ Thankful for my kiddos yesterday- they all decided to gather and go... and I walked through the doors with them. And it was good. That first step gave me the strength to go with a couple of my kids to the worship event last night as well. SO GOOD. ⠀ ⠀ Which then led to me cracking open my Bible study this morning and journaling a bit as well. During that time God showed me this picture very clearly. Yes, the valleys and dips are tough... but He holds us tight by his right hand and lifts us up to higher ground. EVERY DIP + VALLEY CHANGES US, STRENGTHENS US, gives us a clearer perspective to be sympathetic, caring, loving, and world changers for the LOVE of Christ. ⠀ ⠀ For the LOVE let’s grab hands and go do hard things together.”
Sometimes looking back has its advantages. Just be careful you don’t stay there too long and get stuck.
These bath bombs are one of my absolute FAVORITE DIY recipes to make. I love them because they are super simple and extremely effective at RELAXING my brain + body at the end of a stressful day.
And honestly, there is something incredibly relaxing and fulfilling about sitting down to mix these ingredients up in a bowl, deeply inhale the oils while scooping up the mix to form the beautifully imperfectly shaped bombs.
1 cup Baking Soda
1/2 cup Citric Acid
1/4 cup Extra Fine Epsom Salt
1 Tbs. Chia Seed Oil
20 drops Essential Oil
dried fruit rind, flower petals, herbs
step ONE: In a large bowl, combine baking soda, citric acid and epsom salt and stir to combine.
step TWO: Using your hands, break up any clumps. If you can’t get them all, you can sift your mixture through a strainer to break them up.
step THREE: Add the chia seed oil and essential oils. Use your hands to combine the liquids with the powders breaking up any large clumps.
step FOUR: Depending on the moisture level of the current mixture, spritz the bath bombs with witch hazel. It usually takes between 5-7 spritzes, and the mixture should be wet enough so when you squeeze the powder in your palm, it will stick together. If you don’t have witch hazel, adding a few extra drops of chia seed oil will also help the powders stick.
{Note: You want to spray enough so that the powders stick together and isn’t crumbly. Be careful though because spraying too much can cause the mixture to fizz prematurely and ruin your bath bombs!}
step FIVE: Firmly press this mixture between both palms and press firmly and evenly from all sides.
It is just that simple! The beauty about these oils are that many can pass the blood brain barrier, so if you are feeling overwhelmed…. well, fear not. Just making these will help, let alone soaking in them. Talk about a brain detox.
And as for the dry ingredients you will add for color - lavender, rosemary, dried citrus rind all work beautifully. As well as rose petals. We like to add the dry ingredient that coordinates with the oil combo we have chosen in the bombs. In the photo we have chosen a citrus and herb, and lavender and balance. One is extra cleansing and one is superior for relaxation.
Let us know what your favorite combos are and why!
I wish someone would tell me what GOOD GRIEF looks like. I take that back. No, I don’t! And here is why…
It doesn’t look like one particular thing. It doesn’t look the same from person to person. It doesn’t look the same day to day, or even hour to hour, or sometimes even minute to minute. Show me someone who loved deeply and lost, and I will show you yet another way that grief will show up on the scene. It is complex and individual to the person. And…. long lasting for most.
And MOURNING… the act of processing the deep abiding, long-lasting, grief. That is another thing entirely. Show me people who do that well and I will show you the most raw, revealing, public, tear your sackcloth, scream in the streets display of wailing you have ever seen. Stop and really think on that for a minute, how would that make you feel to witness? Um… perhaps too emotional for you? I mean, what would you do with that? Could you watch it comfortably from afar? Would you gently step up and touch it? Would you try to approach and hug it away? OR would you shift your attention elsewhere? I think internally your heart would quicken its step a little at that emotional exposure. Are they mad (as in out of their minds)? Do they need emergency assistance? Why can’t they control themselves? Many would want to do something about it to make it stop because it is just plain uncomfortable. And it should be…and it will be. And so what is a person going through it to do? Our culture holds many silent beliefs about this.
Okay, let’s open this door for a second…should those grieving “contain and control” the majority of the time? Is it a private matter? And let’s talk about the speed of it. Should it change its appearance rather quickly? Like would it be appropriate if the deep, incapacitating grief lasted a month or maybe two tops, following the loss? Then around 2-3 months we should probably expect the person to start engaging more and stepping back into the “real world” as many say. Oh, but they still seem and act different, perhaps guarded, distant, gloomy. Well, by six months surely they will be well on their way back to normal. And by a year… BAM… rolling forward with serious strides… in fact… some may say the wounds of grief should be basically healed at this point.
Oh friends, I am sitting here telling you that (let me count) it has been eight months since my husband passed and I am not sure I feel like I have taken one step towards healing. In fact, I am feeling the depth of the loss more deeply. It’s funny how the reality of all that the loss touches takes serious time to press into your thinking bank. Memory serves us well, until it doesn’t. My memory still tells me from experience he is going to walk through the door, that I need to check with him, that he is the expert and I need to wait for his opinion, that I am hurting and he is the one physical space where I can rest and feel comfort…. that last one is literally killing me. The VERY thing I need him most desperately for (comfort) is present because I NEED him most (first place besides God in my life). That one makes me feel like I am going mad. Reasoning ones absence in our lives doesn’t come easy. It takes time, a ton of different emotions, a bazillion spoken (or written) words, and even more thinking through. It hurts to think, talk, do and so our brains naturally do their very best to avoid it. We are literally fighting within our heads ALL THE DAY LONG. The brain does all it can to avoid the pain and at the same time it is screaming at you about your inabilities. Inability to focus, to do, to remember, to work through it. It is like 10,000 gears are working in different directions and at one no certain point they just end up jamming. Shutting down. Frozen. This typically happens to me in the late afternoon. I find myself DONE and ready to just close my eyes, sleep the rest of the day, or just turn everything off around me. I am literally exhausted mentally and physically with the simplest of things seeming impossible to accomplish. My brain just won’t work anymore.
This leads me into my current stage of discomfort with my grief. I am BEYOND ready for this pattern to be over, and to move on. I have things to do, I need to earn an income, I need to flipping just plain feel happy. I fear I am exhausting my friends, and I am certainly exhausting myself in the trying. But one can’t just give up… I must keep striving.
I do however trust the good, some relief from grief, is coming. I cling to that hope. A day will come when I have held more happy than sad within my minutes. I will always remember, I will always be sad it went how it did, but I will also look forward to the new. For now… I’ll just continue to feel and process until that day comes. So that the day will come.
And for those of you who are walking alongside someone who is grieving, or even approaching someone who is grieving. You don’t have to understand it. In fact, you probably can’t. But you can have immeasurable grace and love for them. Ask to help them with tangible tasks. The collections of those are often the most overwhelming. And listen… don’t be afraid. Let them RANT and just listen, and care. As they talk they are processing it out themselves. Fill the space with love and grace.
Raise your hands if you LOVE a good kabob? Why is that? I am guessing it is because they are typically appealing to the eye, fun, flavorful, they also offer a variety of textures, and have a certain ease to them. So it got me thinking, why not create a Kid Kabob for snack and learning time?
*Let’s just start off with a disclaimer… before the “Toddler Food Safety Police” begin hating on me… this snack MUST BE SUPERVISED at all times. It is fun, creative, helps the kids learn to problem solve a bit, and keeps them entertained a bit longer BUT as we know little ones will chomp their little grinders on things for quite some time, jab themselves, etc. SO…. please…. watch, pay attention, and remove that stick from their little grips before they chew their way towards splinters - or- poke their eyes out.
Whew, with the ugly part over let’s talk about how fun this is. I was watching cute little Baby E awhile back while his Mama was at work, and the boy likes his food… A LOT. Okay, let’s just slide that right on over to the LOVE category. He LOVES his FOOD. I was wondering what we could do with our time together to satisfy his little tummy and mind. Hm. What could we build, or do. We had already made edible play dough the day before. I’ll post on that soon. He “liked” that okay but honestly it didn’t have nearly the appeal I imagined it would. I could do better… I just knew it. Shosh to the rescue… (that is his name for me)
I landed on the idea of kids-kabobs. A healthy, nutritious snack that would keep his little brain thinking, his little fingers busy working and his tummy from a rumbling. This was so simple.
You just need a few things:
a “loop” type cereal snack
blueberries
a wood coffee stir stick
That is to make the snack sticks up as pictured. Of course you can use a variety of ingredients: strawberry pieces, banana, pretty much anything your kiddo likes.
I would also suggest you try tossing on a couple new food options. This may be just the trick to introducing it in a fun way that keeps their mind open to enjoying it. I mean… after all that hard work, and the mind is eager to start on the next great thing!
One of my favorite things to do is to find new creative and fun ways to interrupt the regular, hum-drum routine pieces of life. We don’t always have the time for that, but when we do, why not? I know kiddos LOVE to be seen, thought of and have some special time with loved ones created. So cheers to a quick and easy recipe to accomplish a little more of that!
If you have some creative ideas for snack time, please share below! We are always looking for new ideas!
Who here signed up to make an educated choice selecting baking soda created by a treatment using ammonia? Uck. Not me, that’s for sure.
Until recently I didn’t even know this was a thing. The other day I read a post that stated that the common, do-it-all, orange boxed baking soda that we are all very familiar with should be used for cleaning while just a short list of brands ought to be chosen for baking. Um, what? And… why? First thing I wondered was if this was even fact.
Interestingly enough, it is true. After reviewing the history of baking soda, and finding the different methods used to create it, I found that one is formed naturally, while the other does indeed go through a chemical process.
The natural form is mined directly from the ground in their natural sodium bicarbonate state (also known as nahcolite).
The chemical process is where carbon dioxide and ammonia are passed into a concentrated solution of sodium chloride. Crude sodium bicarbonate precipitates out and is heated to form soda ash, which is then treated once again and refined to form sodium bicarbonate - this is the common baking soda you and I find filling our grocery store shelves. Actually, there are a couple methods used to create it but the Solvay method I just explained is most common practice here in the US.
So, what should you use for what and when? There are a few brands that I have seen listed as good choices for cooking / baking / skin care while the good ‘ole common brand is perfectly acceptable for cleaning. The two natural options mentioned most often are Bob’s Red Mill and Frontier. As can be expected the natural form will cost you a bit more than the bulk variety but hey, it’s worth it. Little changes made consistently lead to BIG transformations over time.
Tomorrow I am going to be posting my DETOX Bath Salt recipe which uses baking soda. Which type do you think I should choose for that one, does it matter? Let’s find out… check back tomorrow.
This year we have really been making note of how tirelessly the delivery drivers work during this jam-packed online shopping season. In fact, just yesterday one of drivers asked to borrow the space in our carport to re-situate everything in his vehicle. Guys, this took him some time… and it was already dark out. AND he still obviously had a lot more to deliver.
I just kept thinking about how over the years I have heard my brother-in-law (delivery driver) talk about the jam-packed hours they have to work through the holidays. While they are busy delivering boxes and bags to those of us around the community eager for our packages to arrive, their families are at home eagerly waiting for them to arrive. Folks, they get home L-A-T-E and they work weekends. And so… we wanted to give them thanks, just a little something to brighten their day. We wanted to let them know that we understand they are sacrificing for us during this season that is meant for more meaningful family time. And… we wanted our gifts to them to be things that would really be appreciated in the bustle of the season.
So we collected some items we thought they would be able to put to good use without being bulky in their already overloaded day:
beef jerky
pepperoni sticks
bang energy drinks
coffee drinks
nut mix
good quality chapsticks
You know, things that are easy to munch, provide energy, or help to bring comfort to their overworked day.
We arranged them in a little tub that we already had on hand, lined it with one of our cute little fabric napkins from IKEA, and set it next to our door with a sign letting them know we would love for them to pick something.
It was a quick and super simple gesture and we are hoping it brightens their day just a wee bit. Honestly, it is fun giving opportunities like this that just give me a deeper sense of joy. Little things here and there that are unexpected and bring smiles to peoples faces.
I would love to hear ideas of what you would put in the basket, or other ideas of people you like to bless during this season.
Our family made the decision a few years ago to start drawing names. We wanted to save money and be more purposeful with our gift giving. We LOVE it, however to keep some surprises coming we have upped the ante in stocking stuffers. Everyone is now getting everybody a stocking stuffer of some sort. And the most creative basically win on Christmas morning. Win what? Our admiration. Haha. So here are some fun stocking stuffer ideas I found while perusing around. I thought I would share some of them that I loved!
For the Gardener:
This set of three Pollinator Push Garden is available at Uncommon Goods for just $18 - just $6 a piece. I am LOVING THESE!
For the HEalth / ENVIRONMENT Conscious:
We have all most likely struggled with the ever increasing paper straws being served lately. It’s a love / hate, yeah? I mean yes… let’s not fill the earth with plastic but hey… let’s get the drink into our bellies. Paper straw disintegrate within seconds. This collapsible straw, with cleaning brush and handy case are the perfect solution! Find this one over on Amazon: Collapsible Straw $8
For the want-to-be Fresh-Faced:
These I have already tried and I am IN LOVE. No joke. You just add water and give it a gentle squeeze, then make small circular motions around your face and BAM - fresh, no residue left, pure, clean skin. And one side is a little longer to give you a bit of an exfoliation. Brilliant. And a 5 pack for $7? $1.40 a piece? Please get some, you won’t be sorry. Amazon:makeup remover pads
For the techy:
We have several teach gadget options because basically everyone is a techy these days, even Grandma.
These screen cleaning pads are perfect for anyone who has a phone, ipad, kindle, computer… you name it. Because no one wants to be THAT person with the smudgey screen. It is $8 for 4 pads - so about $2 a piece plus shipping. Not too shabby. They are avail over at Amazon: Screen cleaning pads.
More techy gifts:
These are something that every single person could use. EVERYTHING comes with a cord these days. I LOVE the idea of having these handy reusable twist ties attached at all times for ease of use. They run about $4.50 for a 4 pack at Amazon.
This putty is what I would call therapy and a lifesaver. I absolutely love the idea of getting the annoying dust out from every crack and crevice. Amazon sells a 4 pack for $10.
for the handyman:
No one likes having a screw loose. So check out this magnetic wristband / cuff. It keeps all those loose parts stuck to one place, one very HANDY place.
You like foamy coffee or tea, know someone else that does? This little treasure is the ticket. Easy to take with you wherever or have stationed by the coffee pot. SO easy to use! And the power, it’s frothed and ready in seconds. Amazon: Frother $15
For the politician:
Whether you are pro or anti - this microwave steamer cleaner sends a message while doing some hard work. $15 @ Amazon
Anyone with eyeballs:
My friend gave me one of these little tools a few years ago and it is dreamy. It gets right into the edges of your reading glasses or sunglasses and swipes them clean of all streaks and smudges with ease. SO HANDY. And they fit nicely in a purse or backpack. $7 for a set of five. GET THEM!
for Those with Ears, eyeballs, or anything that needs to be swabbed.
These right here are a super smart invention. Typically qtips / cotton swabs push ear debris into the ear. These reusable swabs have several different tips. One is a little nubby swab that grabs at (ew gross) ear wax and pulls it out of your ear. Then you just rinse in hot soapy water. So easy and way more effective. This set also has tips for makeup and other uses. SO handy and WAY more economical. $10 for the set @ Amazon.
If you have found other fun ideas please comment below! We would love to hear them.
Also - if you are an Amazon shopper would you consider purchasing on Amazon Smile from now on and selecting Pamoja Love as your charity of choice? A percentage of every purchase goes to our nonprofit while you still get all of the same incredible deals as you always do. We LOVE that Amazon does this! You can learn more about our nonprofit and the work we do over at www.pamoja.love or on our facebook page at Pamoja.Love.
Is it just me? Or does it seem like the older the kids get the LESS time you actually have to do all-the-things you were going to do when they no longer needed you to, like: wipe their noses, change their diapers, fix their food, set up their play time, on and on ( you get it, right?)
Is it that our aging brains speed up time and spin us around?:
“right 'round, baby Right 'round like a record, baby Right 'round, 'round, 'round”
(and if you are singing this catchy tune from Dead or Alive all day… well, you’re welcome!)
I can’t tell if perhaps it is having more external things to see to.
Or could my grief brain be a bit gelatinous with to-do’s bouncing all over and getting barely anything done?
Maybe time is literally being sucked away from me (the older you get the faster it goes kinda thing?). No matter the reason, time feels shorter than ever and I want to slow it down, scoop it up and record it in my memory forever.
I used to be the crafty mom who had all the moments on well thought out, cleverly designed pages, all packed into one glorious album. I spent many a day layering, cutting, gluing and creating masterpieces for my children to someday snicker about because it is OH-SO-DATED now. But they still love to look at their childhood photos, and they know took the time to create it for them.
Somehow between the “there” of littles and the “here and now” with adult kids + one teen, daily life has really changed for us. We still do all kinds of things but the at home stage of creating together has drastically slowed down. And maybe the digital age has something to do with it too?
I have created a few digital photo books, and videos, However, they lack the personal touch and the journaling piece of it. I find the expanse of time between the event and the creation of the memory piece leaves many details lost. (Thank you for that brain)
Recently life changed even more abruptly for us. With the loss of my husband we are reminded that every single minute counts, and I REALLY want to start recording them again. As I grabbed my son and headed to Hawaii for a two week break, I decided I WOULD get something created as a memory of it. AND how great would it be to process some of my grief, oh and plan my daily schedule so I could be more productive when I return, oh… and dream and plan for the future. And now, here I am with about 10 different journals, or notebooks, or something to try and juggle and organize ALL OF THIS. Welcome to my crazy process people.
BUT - here is the thing. I actually had a new clever plan to organize all of this chaotic brilliance. A dear friend introduced me to the Travel Notebook. IT was EVERYTHING I didn’t know I needed. This system is so beyond perfect for my current life stage because you totally make it what you need. AND it TOTALLY takes the pressure off of getting it “just-so” . Every little booklet is a minimal investment, so if you mess up on a page, so what? Just keep going. I purchased a couple cute insert booklets on etsy, but they also have super cheap plain ones. They also have all kinds of embellishments you can use but I am going with a bit more of a minimalist approach for mine.
I had some gift certificates for Amazon left from my birthday and purchased an HP Sprocket to print sticky back photos and make a mini Hawaii trip memory scrapbook, I have my planner booklet, my God moments + teachings booklet and my random notes + to-do’s. This thing is GREAT! I cannot believe how much easier it is on my brain to have a place to jot something down in a relevant place where I can find it later. (anyone else relate to this?) And with my sprocket I can even screen shot different quotes or teachings and print them, peel and stick in the proper booklet. Guys, this travel notebook system is so worth investing in.
It is the perfect everyday and holiday, must-have, must-pack, must-carry-with-you-at-all-times treasure. It is bringing me back my sanity. no joke.
I haven’t tried to make it pretty yet - I am literally just doing the thing, filling it out, making notes. and I ADORE IT!
If you are looking for a fun gift for a creative friend or family member this is the ticket. If you are a frazzled mom who can’t seem to keep your brain focused, this is the ticket. If you are bored and looking for a creative outlet, this is the ticket. Keep it as simple or as decorated as you like. BUT for me it isn’t even so much about that as it is keeping my sanity and my memory in one place.
If you are already a travel notebook fan let me know some of your favorite products or resources. Oh, and for those who want a super cute zipper bag that fits the journal and printer in, my friend bought me this incredible black and white reversible bag from Kaulua’e. CANNOT say enough about their products, excellent workmanship.
I’m in LOVE! There is something dreamy about having the fresh smell of cedar paired with colorful citrus that makes me so happy. It’s full of fun texture, crisp fresh scent, vivid colors, and the best part is it’s super inexpensive.
This year we are simplifying. Less random junk, more intentional decor with a unique flavor of the minimalist style that we love. That goes for Christmas decorations too. In fact, I donated a whole box of decorations (that I didn’t love) during our recent move. That being said I was looking for something creative and fun to garnish our fireplace mantel with to make it festive for the holidays, without spending tons of money on something that is only going to be up for a season. Because, who wants to throw money away?
A fresh cedar garland with a string of sliced dried oranges would be just the fit.
The beauty is you can find all of these items at the grocery store, or for a total win use any citrus that you happen to have stocked in your house. And - for the uber frugal… if you don’t happen to have any oranges I say you toss out a post to social media land and ask anyone if they happen to have any oranges going to waste that they want to purge. You might be surprised how quickly people are eager to dispose of their hardening rind oranges. It helps you and it makes them feel good they aren’t wasting.
So let’s get slicing on the how-to’s of the Festive Dried Orange Garland
Here is what you’ll need:
5-10 Oranges (I used 6 for this garland)
Sharp knife
Twine or ribbon
Baking sheet
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
Slice oranges about 1/4” up to 1/2” thick (try to keep the thickness of each slice as consistent as possible) , throw out the end pieces.
Use a towel to gently squeeze out the majority of the juice from each slice by pressing firmly on both sides with the slice flatly pressed in between
Place slices individually spaced out on a baking sheet. (you can use parchment paper underneath.
Bake for 2 hours.
Let cool completely.
Once cooled thread oranges onto twine or ribbon. If you need to use a plastic needle you can - just weave through one side front to back and the other side back to front.
In addition to the orange garland I also made the super simple cedar garland to pair it with. It took me about 20 minutes to go cut some branches from a tree in our yard and wrap them together with some floral wire. Or if you want to purchase one, or use an artificial that is totally fine too.
Ya want to push it over the top and go all-out on the citrus and woody vibe, then you should probably be diffusing some Douglas Fir + Citrus Bliss essential oils too. These oils + this garland = create + festive + winter wonderland all wrapped into one inside of your home!
