Whole30 Challenge – The Beginning

Posted on January 1, 2013 by Jennifer

Wow, it’s been a long time since I posted anything! Oopsie. Sorry about that!

The

So, I’m starting the Whole30 Challenge tomorrow (January 2nd). It’s 30 days of eating only real food: meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruit, healthy oils, nuts and seeds. It was created by the husband and wife team who wrote the fantastic book It Starts with Food: Discover the Whole30 and Change Your Life in Unexpected Ways, and it’s mainly doing hard-core Paleo (no cheats) for 30 days.

I’m excited and I’m dreading it. I’m excited because I have been halfway doing Paleo for a while now and just can’t seem to really get into gear and take it seriously. My acne has never been this bad in my life (and I’m nearing my 35th birthday, NOT my 15th!). I’ve been doing CrossFit and absolutely love seeing the results, but know how much better those results could be if I were eating properly. I’m dreading it because it’s going to be hard, even though they say in the book that, really, it’s NOT hard. OK, sure. No chai lattes, no coconut sugar and half & half in my morning cup of coffee, no honey in my tea, no cheat meals… Did I already mention no chai lattes?? :-(

Yet, here I go… and I’ve done the following to prepare:

  1. Planned meals for the next week
  2. Went grocery shopping for everything I’ll need for said meals
  3. Made snack plans (celery with almond butter, almond butter balls, pistachios)

I also made house salad dressing (YUM) to have on hand, and Chicken Waldorf Salad (which I love and am looking forward to eating). Click on each if you want the recipe.

I am looking forward to the challenge and to seeing what kinds of changes happen over the next 30 days. Stay tuned, if you’re interested as well! :-)

 

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Homemade Baby Wipes

Posted on September 30, 2012 by Jennifer

“Changing a diaper is a lot like getting a present from your grandmother – you’re not sure what you’ve got but you’re pretty sure you’re not going to like it.” ~ Jeff Foxworthy

After some advice from a friend, I decided to start making cloth wipes for Baby Girl, rather than using the paper towel method. It’s green, the wipes are softer, and they’re actually easier to make!

You’ll want to make a small amount at a time (I do 12, because that’s what fits well inside the empty wipe container I use) because the solution doesn’t have alcohol or other yucky chemicals that most store-bought wipes have, so it doesn’t stay preserved as long.

Here are the supplies I bought:

  • OsoCozy Flannel Baby Wipes - These get great reviews and they’re a great price. I bought 2 packages so I didn’t have to do a load of laundry each time the wipes ran out.
  • Planet Wise Diaper Pail Liner - You’ll want this to keep the dirty wipes in. It’s great because it keeps them out of sight and smell, and it’s antimicrobial. I bought a cheap trash can from Target and keep this liner in it.
  • I use an empty disposable wipes case, but some people use a Wipes Warmer
    to keep wipes warm and fresh. The wipes case keeps them moist and we’re still in summer mode here in Southern AZ, so I haven’t felt the need for a warmer yet.

The solution is easy to make and the ingredients last a long time:

  • Chamomile Flower Whole Tea - This is optional. You could use water, but I steep a Tea Ball full of chamomile flowers and use that instead. It just gives the solution even more comfort power.
  • Liquid Castile Soap – I use this for Baby Girl’s soap and shampoo, as well. It’s an all-natural, hypoallergenic cleanser made from olive oil.
  • Aloe Vera Gel - Aloe is amazing for your skin! It soothes and relieves skin conditions (SO good for diaper rashes!) and a host of other things. I keep this exact brand in my fridge at all times. It’s organic and can be consumed as well. You don’t want to buy the kind in the sunscreen aisle of the store because those contain alcohol and all kinds of other non-aloe ingredients.
  • Vegetable Glycerine - (optional) Glycerine is a great cleanser and moisturizer.
  • Vitamin E Oil - (optional) Also a great moisturizer and conditioner for skin.
  • Lavender Essential Oil – Lavender is a great skin soother. I also keep a travel spray bottle full of water and about 20 drops of this on her changing table to spray her with when she has a rash. It works great!
  • Tea Tree Essential Oil – Tea tree oil can be used as an antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiseptic! It will keep your wipes free from bacteria and it will help cleanse your baby’s skin. It’s also very potent, so make sure you only use a drop or 2 and never alone – only in a solution.
Here’s what I do:
  1. Mix the following solution:
    * 8 oz water or chamomile tea
    * 1 tablespoon liquid castile soap
    * 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
    * 1 small squirt (1 teaspoon or so?) vegetable glycerine
    * 1 small squirt vitamin E oil
    * 2 drops lavender oil
    * 1-2 drops tea tree oil
  2. Roll the cloth wipes and add them to your wipe container or warmer. I do 3 stacks of 4 rolled cloths in mine. 
  3. Pour the solution over the wipes. Make sure you get the sides, or even add half the wipes and pour, then add the other half and pour, to make sure you get all the wipes wet.
  4. Keep the container closed and they should stay fresh for about 2 days. Yes, that’s less convenient than being able to use a store-bought case for weeks or months on end, but I promise it’s worth it.
  5. After you’ve used a wipe, simply toss it in the pail. Wash the liner and wipes together as needed.
  6. Repeat. :-)

Tips:

  • If Baby Girl has a rash, I gently pat her tushy with the wipe a little longer, to make sure it gets plenty of exposure to the soothing solution.
  • Vitacost.com has a referral program, where you receive an instant $10 credit when you join. Additionally, If you refer a friend, you each get a $10 credit! You can use that for buying any of these products to save even more money. Click here to join!

Posted in Do-it-Yourself Products, Healthy Alternatives, Saving Money, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Easy Aloe Vera Face Masque

Posted on September 10, 2012 by Jennifer

“The problem with beauty is that it’s like being born rich and getting poorer.”
~ Joan Collins

Aloe Vera Gel is one of those things I always have on hand. It’s wonderful for treating sunburns, acid reflux & other digestive issues, and many other things. When I saw a recipe for a homemade face masque containing aloe, I was happy to try it. I was surprised and a little apprehensive when I saw that the other ingredient was aspirin, until my aesthetician (skincare specialist) friend told me that aspirin is primarily salicylic acid.

Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in skincare products because it nourishes and hydrates the skin, as well as helps with inflammation (which is why it works as aspirin). It is also natural (in its whole, unprocessed state, of course) — it’s a plant hormone found in willow bark. Salicylic acid is especially helpful in treating acne because of its ability to penetrate follicles. It encourages the shedding of dead skin cells from within the follicle, helping to keep the pores clear of cellular debris. In this way, it reduces the number of pore blockages and breakouts on the skin (http://acne.about.com/od/acnetreatments/a/salicylicacid.htm).

For those of you who don’t know me, I have had acne since I was 15.  Unfortunately, I have the scars to prove it. However, when I use this masque regularly (2-3 times per week), the scars start to fade and my skin looks so much clearer and healthier. I’ve also recently realized that I need to treat my acne from within by eating foods that don’t disrupt my hormonal balance and supplementing with whole food supplements, but that’s another talk show.

Here’s what you need:

  1. Aloe Vera Gel (make sure it’s organic and doesn’t have any 
    added ingredients such as sugars!) – this Aloe Vera Gel from Amazon contains no sugars and is a great price.
  2. Aspirin – I just buy a bottle of generic, regular strength aspirin. You don’t want any coating on it — just tablets.

And here’s what you do:

  • Pour about 1/3 cup aloe into a container that has a lid.
  • Add 5 aspirin tablets and let sit for about 20 minutes.
  • After this time, the aspirin should be soft enough to mash with a spoon or fork. Mash them all up and stir.
  • After you’ve washed your face (I usually do this in the evening), make sure your hands are clean and just scoop out some of the mixture and spread onto your face.
  • Let sit for about 10 minutes. I’ve never had any type of reaction to this, and my skin is super sensitive, but if for some reason it starts to burn, please rinse it off. :-|
  • Get your hands wet and gently rub the mixture into your skin, which will help exfoliate.
  • Rinse well.

I hope this inexpensive, homemade treatment works for you too! Please let me know what you think. :-)

TIPS:

  • Sometimes I’ll get some plain aloe vera gel (the same gel, but without the aspirin added) and rub it on my face afterward. It’s very soothing!
  • Once you’ve put the mixture on your face, put the lid on the container and store it in the refrigerator. The amount listed on this recipe will usually last me a few weeks.
  • Make sure you only buy regular strength tablets. Extra strength may be too harsh and, if they are coated, they won’t dissolve properly. Plus you don’t want the coating material on your skin.
Posted in A Few of my Favorite Things..., Do-it-Yourself Products, Saving Money | 2 Comments

60 Uses for Get Clean Products, Part II

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Jennifer

“I’m addicted to you. Don’t you know that you’re toxic?” ~ Britney Spears

First of all, don’t judge me… There aren’t many funny quotes about toxins out there (perhaps I should write some?). Secondly, I’m proud to say I am addicted to Shaklee. I’d love to see everyone rid their cabinets of all the harmful chemicals and join me in my addiction!

So, I’m finally posting my second set of 30 favorite uses for Shaklee’s Get Clean line (See Part 1 here). Without further adieu…

31. Shampoo Additive – Add 1 drop of Basic H to your shampoo bottle and you will notice more lather (thanks to those surfactants) and cleaner hair.

32. Dishwasher Rinse Aid – in a 4 oz bottle, add ¾ water & 1/4 Basic H and add to rinse aid dispenser. Works better and is cheaper than Jet Dry.

33. General Spot Remover – Apply Basic H directly to spotted area. Use a toothbrush or finger to rub into area. Wipe off with a damp cloth or rinse in basin of water. (Removes coffee, ink, grass, etc.)

34. Grass and Other Stubborn Stain Removal – Wet fabric. Rub Basic H and a sprinkle of Nature Bright on stain. Soak in small amount of water for a day.

35. Clothing Stain Pre-Spotter – Mix ¾ t. Nature Bright and ½ t. Basic H with hot tap water in a 16oz. spray bottle. Spray on stain and wash whenever!

36. Delicate Washables – Mix 1/2 T Basic H to a gallon of water. Basic H is effective, yet mild enough to clean the most delicate fabrics, including woolens, silks and synthetics. Panty-hose and nylons stay soft and pliable.

37. Clothes Dryer – Place 25 drops Basic H into a 16 oz. spray bottle and spray inside of dryer. Reduces static and softens clothes.

38. Burns – Apply Basic H to stove or oven-type burns or sunburn, full-strength, for immediate relief.

39. Contacts – 1 to 2 drops Basic H in 1/2 cup water to soak contact lenses. Rinse well to remove all traces of solution.

40. Wallpaper Removal – Use 1 T Basic H in a pail of hot water to remove wallpaper from your walls.

41. Knives – Add 1 or 2 drops Basic H to cutting stone for sharpening knives.

42. Silver Polish – Rub Basic H on the silver with a cloth; rinse.

43. Jewelry cleaner – Mix 1/2 tsp Basic H with 1/2 cup water and let sit. Rinse & dry.

44. Concrete & Mortar Mix – 1/4 oz Basic H per 1 gallon of water.  Makes cement & mortar spread easier & smoother, set harder.

45. Plumbing – Basic H will keep pipes clean & free-running when used regularly to wash hands, pots & pans at sinks.  It emulsifies grease & can eliminate cleaning of grease traps.

46. Fire Extinguisher – 1 T. Basic H to 1 pint spray bottle; put water in first then add the H to prevent suds. Very effective on grease fires.

47. Pesticide – Use Basic H Window bottle and spritz your plants as part of your regular routine. Not only will the bugs stay away but you might also find that your plants become bigger and healthier, as well.

48. Weed Killer – Mix 1 gallon Water, 1 t. Basic H, & ½ cup white vinegar. Makes the best weed killer, and it is safe.

49. Rust – Use full-strength Basic H as rust inhibitor for rusty nuts and bolts. Also use one T. to radiator full of water or anti-freeze to help prevent rust. Scour Off works great for rust, as well.

50. Battery Terminals – Add ½ t. Basic H to pint of water and spray on battery terminals. Let soak for 2 minutes. Clean with wire brush.

51. Paint Brushes – Work full strength Basic H into brushes and wash under the tap.

52. Protect Hands – Apply Basic H to hands full strength for lasting protection as an industrial skin guard. Great as an “invisible glove” before painting.

53. Outside Windows and Screens – Spray mixture of 1 t. Basic H to 2 gallons of water.

54. Green Lawns – Use 1 T. Basic H to “orthotype” bottle applicator full of water. This should let 2 gallons of water through applicator to spray on lawn.

55. Golf Clubs – Add 1 t. Basic H to a 4-ounce spray bottle. Spray solution on clubs and brush off dirt. Also excellent for cleaning golf gloves.

56. Floors – Safe for wood floors, too! Use 1 T. Basic H per gallon of water.  Leaves floor shining.  May require rinsing.

55. Crayon – Use Basic H full strength to remove stubborn marks from your walls.

57. Shoes – Put 2 drops Basic H on a clean cloth to clean shoes. Will not ruin finish. Shine with a dry cloth.

58. Ironing – 1 drop Basic H in steam iron keeps the jets & interior clean.

59. Toothpaste – Add a drop or two of Basic H to your toothbrush, right on top of your normal dab of toothpaste. Watch as your teeth become whiter and your gums healthier. Your breath may even stay fresh longer, as Basic H fights germs.

60. Gum – Use Basic H full strength to remove gum from skin, hair, carpeting, etc.

There you have it, folks. 60 excellent reasons to try Shaklee’s Get Clean line. If you’re still not sold, please email me and tell me why! :-)


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Homemade Peanut Butter

Posted on August 19, 2012 by Jennifer

“Nothing takes the taste out of peanut butter quite like unrequited love.” ~ Charlie Brown

My Pretty Jar of Homemade Peanut Butter

I just made my first batch of homemade peanut butter and I am shocked and amazed at how easy it was. Apparently I could’ve been making my own for the past 30 years. :-)   I’m going to get even fancier next time and buy peanuts in the shell and roast them myself, but for my first time, I scoured the shelves and found some roasted peanuts with sea salt (no added sugars or bad oils) at Target. You don’t have to add anything else, but you know I like me some Coconut Palm Sugar, so I added a little of that too.

Here’s how you do it:

Ingredients:

  • Roasted peanuts
  • About a tablespoon Coconut Palm Sugar ( or honey, agave, etc.), if desired
  • (If you use raw peanuts, you’ll need to add about 2 teaspoons of oil per cup of peanuts)

Directions:

  1. Pour roasted peanuts (my container was 20 oz) into high-speed blender. My VitaMix worked great for this!
  2. Add sweetener or sea salt, if desired.
  3. Blend on high, stirring when needed. With my VitaMix, I pushed the peanuts into the blade with the plunger. I blended my peanuts for less than 2 minutes total: it took about a minute to blend them, then I stopped the machine and stirred, restarted, then blended another minute or so.
  4. Use a spatula to transfer the peanut butter to an airtight container, where it should stay fresh for several months when refrigerated!

 

So… that was seriously all I did. It is smooth, delicious, and I know I’m not putting any processed ingredients, high fructose corn syrup (or other yucky sugars), or partially hydrogenated oils into my body! I haven’t tried any other nut butters because my husband is allergic to tree nuts, but I’m assuming they are just as easy.

Enjoy! :-)

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Coconut Palm Sugar (and how to make the perfect Iced Mocha)

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Jennifer

“A big mountain of sugar is too much for one man. I can see now why God portions it out in those little packets.” ~ Homer J. Simpson

I discovered Coconut Palm Sugar (CPS from now on) about a year ago as I was researching the Paleo diet. CPS is a natural product (not an artificial sweetener) made from the nectar of the coconut palm tree. I decided to try it and I have fallen in love with it! Here’s why:

  1. It’s low on the Glycemic Index. This is the reason I tried it initially. It has an average rating of 35 on the GI scale, and has less calories than agave nectar or honey.
  2. It tastes and smells like Heaven. Yes, you read that right. It’s my new favorite smell. It also tastes delicious – even just straight out of the bag. It sort of has a carmel-y, brown sugar-ish taste to it.
  3. It functions easily as a sugar substitute in recipes. If a recipe calls for sugar, I use the same amount of CPS in it and it works/tastes great.
  4. CPS has high amounts of potassium, magnesium, zinc & iron, as well as vitamin C and many of the B vitamins. Its nutritional value is incomparable to any other commercially available sweetener.

Now About That Perfect Iced Mocha…

My favorite way to use CPS is in a homemade Iced Mocha. Living in the desert, there are only a few months out of the year where I like my coffee hot. After much trial and error, I feel I have perfected EASY-to-make iced coffee. Using coconut palm sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder (a super food, thanks to the high amounts of antioxidants it contains), I make a delicious, healthier Iced Mocha almost every morning. Here’s how:

  1. Add 2 scoops of coffee (and a few shakes of cinnamon, if you like it) and 8oz water to your coffee maker and turn it on. :-)
  2. Put 2 tablespoons CPS/cocoa mix (you might need to adjust according to your tastes) into a cup/glass that can handle both hot and cold liquids. Starbucks insulated tumblers work great for this. Add hot coffee and stir well.
  3. Place 5 ice cubes into cup of hot coffee and allow to melt.
  4. Here’s where you customize it with the amount of ice and cream you want. I’m one of those people who like a little coffee with their cream, so I tend to add half & half until the drink looks more like chocolate milk.
  5. Enjoy!!

Tips:

    • I have seen CPS at health food stores, but I get mine on Amazon.com, where it seems to be cheapest and most convenient, of course. If you do the Subscribe & Save option, it comes out to 27 cents an ounce. Free shipping too!
    • When making the Iced Mocha, make sure you add the sugar/cocoa mix while the coffee is hot, otherwise it won’t dissolve and you’ll be stuck with a chunky mess.
Posted in A Few of my Favorite Things..., Healthy Alternatives | 4 Comments

60 Uses for Get Clean Products, Part I

Posted on July 24, 2012 by Jennifer

“There’s so much pollution in the air now that if it weren’t for our lungs, there’d be no place to put it all.” ~ Robert Orben

I have completely Shaklee-ized my cleaning cabinet, meaning I’ve replaced all my expensive, toxic, poisonous household cleaners with Shaklee’s natural, non-toxic, economical Get Clean line of cleaners. In the process, I have researched and found more than 1,000 uses for the Get Clean line. I’m only going to feature 60 of my current favorites, but you can find many more online.

And away we go with the first 30…

  1. Windows/Mirrors – 2 drops of Basic H to 16oz of water (use the Basic H pre-labeled Window cleaner bottle).

    Just add Basic H and water

  2. Basic Cleaning Jobs – (bathroom & kitchen counters, etc.) 1/4 t. Basic H to 16oz of water (use the pre-labeled “All Purpose” cleaner bottle).
  3. Heavy-Duty Cleaner/Degreaser – use 1½ t. Basic H to 16oz water (use the Basic H pre-labeled Degreaser bottle).
  4. Dusting – Use “Windows/Mirrors” formula above and spray onto microfiber cloth or directly onto surface to wipe off dust, fingerprints, etc.  Dry with clean cloth, leaving the wax finish bright & dust repellent, which means less dusting required.
  5. Toilet Bowl Stains – Drain water from bowl. Soak stain with 1 t. Dish Wash Automatic Concentrate or Nature Bright. If necessary, scour with Scour Off.
  6. Soap Scum– Spray Basic H Degreaser formula onto shower walls, tiles, and/or doors. If needed, add a little Scour Off to a damp microfiber cloth and scrub the area after spraying the Basic H.

    Heavy Duty Without the Harsh Ingredients

  7. Drain Cleaner – Mix 1 T. Basic H, 1 T. Dish Wash Auto Concentrate, & 1½ t. Scour Off in ½ gallon HOT water. Pour mixture down the drain. Fill the same container again with just HOT water and pour that down the drain.
  8. Dishes – Add 1 t. Basic H ~OR~ literally 2 drops of Dish Wash Concentrate to sink of water to leave your dishes sparkling clean.
  9. Dishwasher Cleaner – (my cousin discovered this one!) Add 2 drops of Basic H to your detergent cup for 1 or 2 loads and the inside of your dishwasher will look sparkly and new.
  10. Leather – Put 2 drops Basic H on damp sponge, then wipe the item dry. Basic H cleans leather better than saddle soap.
  11. Hand & Body Wash – Mix 1/4 Basic H to 3/4 water OR, for a more spa-like experience, use Hand Wash Concentrate, which moisturizes, conditions, soothes, and energizes your skin.
  12. Heavy-Duty Hand Cleaner– Place a few drops Basic H to palm. Rub thoroughly into hands, then add a little water. Continue with usual washing action and rinse. Removes grease, oil, onion and garlic odors, and tobacco stains.

    Powerful laundry booster made from natural enzymes and active oxygen

  13. Shaving – Apply Basic H full-strength to damp skin and shave as usual.
  14. Insect Repellent for People and Animals– Rub/Apply full strength Basic H wherever you do not want insects to bite; they won’t bite where Basic H has been applied. Also relieves itching of insect bites (rub on, full strength).
  15. Fruits & Vegetables – Use Basic H Window bottle.  Removes insecticide residue, dirt, and waxes. For lettuce, cut head in half and place in cold water with a couple drops of H. It removes the poisons and crisps up the lettuce.
  16. Eye Glasses – Fill a 4oz spray bottle with water and one drop of Basic H. Will clean and prevent fogging.
  17. Steam Cleaner Solution – Mix 1 t. Basic H & ½ t. Basic G and add to steam cleaner in lieu of steam cleaning solution.  For brighter looking carpet, add half a scoop of Nature Bright to the solution.
  18. Tile & Grout – Mix 1 T. Basic H and half a scoop of Nature Bright per gallon of water. Will clean your tile and brighten your grout. Use Basic G in lieu of Basic H if you want your tile disinfected too.
  19. Coffee-makers– Dilute 1/8 t. Basic H in pot of water. Run through cycle and coffee stains will rinse away.

    Leaves your skin silky smooth

  20. Humidifiers – Use 1 or 2 drops of Basic H in humidifier water to help prevent rust & scum.
  21. Septic Tanks – Pour one quart of Basic H into septic tank drainage when it becomes sluggish to clean it out. It helps build bacteria in your septic tank. For maximum health of septic system, use all of Shaklee’s phosphate free cleaning products.  This will do much to promote the growth of needed friendly bacteria.
  22. Fine Fabrics – Use ½ t. Basic H to a basin of lukewarm water to wash woolens, nylon stockings, & all fine fabrics.
  23. Upholstery – Mix ½ T. Basic H to ½ gallon water. Spray on & rub clean.
  24. Car Wash – ½ t. Basic H per gallon of water. Wash small area at a time and hose off.  Wipe windshield, windows and chrome with paper towels after rinsing.  You’ll love the shine!

    Cleaner, Disinfectant, & Deodorizer for less than 3.5 cents/bottle!

  25. Windshield Wash/Rain Repellent – Pour 3½ t. of Basic H into one quart of water, and use it as your windshield wash. Rain and slush will easily wipe away from your windshield, and bugs will slide away as well.
  26. Anti-Fog for Auto Interior – Use Basic H Window bottle on inside of car windows and it will prevent them from fogging up.
  27. Fertilizer – Add a few drops Basic H to warm water and water your indoor or outdoor plants. The Basic H solution will make the ground soluble to the water, thus making your plants much healthier than with regular water.

    This $10 bottle makes 48 GALLONS of cleaner!

  28. Dogs for Worms – Apply 2 drops Basic H for every ten pounds of the dog’s weight in their feed for one week. Repeat this application every 3 months. You may also put it in a spray bottle with a little water and spray it over the dog’s food, or just add a drop or two to their water. Additionally, add Vita-Lea to their food for added vitamins & minerals!
  29. Skunk Odor Removal – 1 T. Basic H in a gallon of water.
  30. And finally… My cousin discovered that if you have any kind of chemical additives in your water (or pool, or whatever) that leaves your skin feeling itchy, just spray yourself (or your husband, in her case) down with the Degreaser bottle of Basic H and the itch will completely go away in seconds! :-)   As with the produce wash, it’ll rinse away any chemicals on your skin.

If you haven’t tried Shaklee’s Get Clean line, what are you waiting for? Email me with any questions, comments, or suggestions. 30 more uses coming your way soon! See my other 30 favorites here!

Posted in A Few of my Favorite Things..., Healthy Alternatives, Saving Money, Shaklee | 5 Comments

ADD/ADHD – The Natural Approach

Posted on July 12, 2012 by Jennifer

“Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” ~ Napoleon Hill

Disclaimer
First of all, I need to say that I’m not pretending to be an expert on the subject of attention challenges. I have taught a number of students with attention challenges as a middle school teacher, and I assisted even more students with these challenges as a Strategic Learning Specialist at the collegiate level. Additionally, I am not saying that there aren’t adults or children that need to be on medication for these disorders. I am simply sharing some approaches that have worked for people I know, multiple friends of friends, and that I have researched on my own. This disorder (or, rather, the people who are affected by it) has been on my heart and mind lately and I feel led to share what I have learned.

What It Is
Attention deficit disorders (ADD or ADHD) are two of the most common mental health disorders of childhood. Symptoms (inattention, inability to focus, impulsive behavior, and/or hyperactivity) begin in childhood and often persist into adulthood. These symptoms frequently lead to functional impairment in academic, family, and social settings. Recent national surveys have documented an increase in the prevalence of ADHD during the past decade.

The Natural Approach
Do you feel like you’ve tried everything and nothing is helping? Are you (or is your child) on medications that just leave you not feeling like yourself? Here are some natural approaches that have worked for a number of people I know:

  • Change in Diet
    Preservatives – some preservatives are neurotoxic and can affect memory, intellect, cognition, and behavior
    Food Dyes     – red #40 and yellow # 5 especially (though, really, all should be avoided) can contribute to impulsive behaviors and the inability to pay attention
    Sugar     – sugar seems like a no-brainer, but as the insulin levels rise and fall because of consuming sugar, it can create an upper and downer type of situation, causing hyperactivity and then a crash
    Fast Food         - most fast foods contain large amounts of sugar, preservatives, and food dyes
    Water     – 75% of all Americans are chronically dehydrated, which can affect memory and the ability to focus
    Protein     - helps level blood sugar, causes the nervous system to function better. Great especially first thing in the morning
  • Exercise
    Exercise almost immediately elevates dopamine and norepinephrine levels and keeps them up for a period of time (in the same way that Ritalin or Adderall do). It also wakes up the executive function of the frontal cortex, which in turn helps with impulsivity and allows more time to evaluate consequences.
  • CLEAN Environments
    When I say clean, I mean free of chemicals and toxins. When toxic chemicals enter the brain, they can cause confusion, lack of focus, poor memory, headaches, depression, etc. When they enter the liver and other organs, they can lead to cancer, allergies, a poor immune system, reproductive problems, etc. Find green house cleaners (such as Shaklee’s Get Clean line) that do not contain toxins and harmful chemicals. Please! :-)
  • Organic Food Supplements
    This means supplements (vitamins) from organic food sources… NOT most of the store-bought supplements that contain sugar, dyes, and fillers! Make sure you find a company that uses organic ingredients and guarantees that their supplements contain what they say they contain and go where they’re supposed to go in your body. Yes, Shaklee does both.
    Multivitamin     – will fill in the gaps of the food guide pyramid. Make sure it contains zinc, magnesium, and calcium, which children with ADHD are often shown to be lacking
    Omega 3     – vital for brain function! Deficiencies can cause problems with memory, concentration, and depression
    B-Complex     – crucial for the nervous system. Deficiencies can contribute to emotional issues, mental confusion, and irregular heartbeat
    Calcium     – considered “nature’s tranquilizer”
    Probiotics     – help with allergies and any candida (yeast) issues that may be present in the body
  • Food Allergies?
    Food allergies in children can lead to surprisingly difficult behavioral issues.     This is not something I am highly knowledgeable about, but I have found a very informative article on the subject. A surprising number of children are diagnosed with attention challenges, when they are actually only displaying the symptoms because of a food allergy.

My Supplement Advice:
Like I mentioned previously, writing this article is something I felt led to do… NOT in an attempt to turn you into a Shaklee-ite (as my husband so lovingly calls me). If you already have a reputable supplement company that provides organic, bioavailable products that are proven to be effective, by all means, stick with them! However, if you don’t, please consider these options:

  1. For adults 12 years and older, Shaklee’s Vitalizer contains ALL the vitamins mentioned in this article, PLUS many more and many minerals as well. See more info or watch a short webinar. It’s honestly like no other product on the market.
  2. For children under 12 years, Shaklee’s Incredivites and Mighty Smart cover all the vitamins mentioned here plus many more (including Lactoferrin – the immune-boosting ingredient found in breast milk – the first vitamin in America to offer this), and many minerals. PLUS, Shaklee does not put any artificial sweeteners, dyes, fillers, etc. in their supplements.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me! I wish the best of health for you and yours…

Sources:

Posted in Healthy Alternatives, Shaklee | Leave a comment

Get Clean!

Posted on July 5, 2012 by Jennifer

 “My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.”  ~Erma Bombeck

Did you know that the average U.S. household generates more than 20 pounds of household hazardous waste per year?

Did you also know that many common household cleaners contain dangerous ingredients, including neurotoxins, carcinogens, allergens, central nervous system depressants, heavy metals, and other agents that cause or contribute to cancer, respiratory problems (asthma, especially!), reproductive abnormalities, allergic reactions, and behavioral problems, among other health issues?

Because I truly believe that your home should be the safest place in the whole world, I must share with you the recent changes I have made in my own home.

A friend of mine came over recently to share some information with me about household cleaners and all the toxins they contain. She was especially concerned because of my precious baby girl. I had never given thought to all the chemicals that are in the cleaners we use in our home and how, obviously, if I’m spraying them, wiping furniture with them, cleaning my floors with them, etc., not only are we inhaling and ingesting all these chemicals, but so is our baby.

Of course I was shocked and immediately concerned.  However, my friend also shared with me that, thankfully, there’s an alternative!! Shaklee has a Get Clean line that is all-natural, contains no toxins or chemicals, and is SO much less expensive than store-bought cleaners!

I was eager to try the products, and I ordered them the same day my friend came over. However, my husband was a bit skeptical.  Within 3 days of me trying the various cleaners on different cleaning tasks (including EASILY cleaning tile grout for pennies — blog post to come), my husband threw out all the hazardous cleaners we had been collecting, and asked me to order more to keep upstairs! In other words, this stuff works and it works well.

Here’s what Get Clean is all about:

  • Safe Clean. Get Clean products don’t have the hazardous ingredients that come with many cleaning products. You’ll have cleaning choices that are nontoxic and natural.
  • Powerful Clean. Get Clean rivals the performance of leading brands, and Shaklee stands behind their products with the strongest satisfaction guarantee in the market. (I can attest to this! I have tried these products on every cleaning duty in the house and I am continuously amazed at their effectiveness.)
  • Green Clean. Get Clean products help keep the planet clean, too. They have biodegradable cleaning agents, which means they break down easily instead of hanging out in the ground for hundreds of years, and they have no phosphates, nitrates, or other stuff the planet doesn’t appreciate.

Shaklee offers everything you need to keep a clean, healthy home. Their all-purpose Basic H cleaner is my favorite! There are literally 1,000 uses for it (seriously – Google it!) and it’s CHEAP! A 16 oz, super concentrated bottle is $10.35 and it makes 48 GALLONS of cleaner! You’d have to spend more than $3,400 to get the same amount of clean as Shaklee’s Get Clean Starter Kit (view the flyer).

Still not convinced? Watch Get Clean get discussed on Oprah and Rachel Ray! Have questions or need suggestions on what to order? Please Email Me!!

Posted in A Few of my Favorite Things..., Healthy Alternatives, Saving Money, Shaklee | 2 Comments

Wool Dryer Balls

Posted on June 27, 2012 by Jennifer

“Where does virgin wool come from? The sheep that runs the fastest.” ~ Harry F. Banks

 

In my quest to save money and, more importantly, remove harmful chemicals and toxins from our home, I discovered wool dryer balls. My skin is very sensitive, so several years ago I switched to a fragrance-free dryer sheet. However, I recently realized that even the store-bought, fragrance-free formulas contain chemicals, are bad for your dryer’s motor, and are bad for the environment.

Wool dryer balls have been an amazing answer to this dilemma. Wool dryer balls are made of… you guessed it: wool. Because of this, they are 100% natural, and contain no chemicals or dyes. The balls circulate and separate the clothing, speeding up the drying time and softening your laundry by gentle friction of the felted wool fibers against your clothing fibers. This reduces your drying time, electrical use, carbon foot print AND electric bills! Dryer balls will last at least a year, and I have read cases of them lasting up to 10 years! That is an amazing savings both for your family and the environment.

In my research, I found that wool dryer balls are sold on all kinds of websites, including Amazon and Etsy. Being the NON-domestic goddess that I am, I purchased my first batch of 3 balls. However, I read that the more you have, the faster your clothes dry, and the softer your clothes are. I looked into it and saw how easy it is to make them, so I did just that. :-)

There are 2 ways to make wool dryer balls: with wool yarn or with wool batting. The first, in my opinion, is a little easier, but is not as cost effective, and I hear they don’t last as long.  I’m going to talk about how to make them out of wool batting, but it’s generally the same process.

What you’ll need:

  • 100% wool batting (I got mine at JoAnn Fabric)
  • A Felting Needle
  • A thin sock or knee-high panty hose

I bought a yard of wool batting at JoAnn, not knowing how many dryer balls it would make. It was regularly $18.99 a yard, but I had a 50% off coupon. I was hoping it would make at least 3 balls, but I had no idea it would unfold so many times and end up making 10!

 

Instructions:

  1. Unfold the wool until you have a thin layer.  I cut mine into strips so I could just grab a new strip when needed.
  2. Start wrapping the wool, as tightly as possible, to form a ball. Once it gets to be about the size of a golf ball, take your felting needle and start poking it all over. Be careful… the needle is very sharp. I finally set mine on a table and poked it that way. The felting needle will help the ball stay together, as it grabs the wool and blends it together.
  3. Start wrapping the ball again to make it bigger. Continue wrapping it tightly until it’s about the size of a tennis ball.
  4. Repeat steps 2 & 3 until you have 3 tennis-sized wool balls.
  5. Place one of the balls into the end of your sock. Tightly tie a knot above the ball, to hold the ball firmly in place. Repeat with the other 2 until you have all 3 tied separately into the sock.
  6. Add the sock into a load of laundry that you’re washing on warm or hot. Place it into the dryer, as well, with the load. This causes the wool to felt and stay together.
  7. Untie the knots and remove the balls from the sock.
  8. You will now add more layers, like you did in steps 2 & 3 until the balls are about the size of a softball.
  9. Once again, place them into the sock, tie the knots around each, and wash & dry them with a load of laundry. They will shrink and felt one final time.
  10. Voila! You now have homemade wool dryer balls! Keep them in the dryer at all times and let them do their job with each load of laundry you dry.

 

TIPS:

  • I would recommend using at least 6 dryer balls. 9-12 work even better!
  • If you’d like to add a scent to your laundry, simple add 1-2 drops of your favorite essential oil (my favorite is lavender!) to at least a few of the dryer balls with each load.
  • I want to stress how tightly you have to wrap the wool. The dryer balls need to be strong enough to withstand bouncing amongst a bunch of clothes all the time!
  • If you’re more of a visual learner, check out this YouTube video I found (I do not know this person – I just found the video): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBhansNWXl0

 

 

 

Posted in Do-it-Yourself Products, Healthy Alternatives, Saving Money | 4 Comments