52 Weeks to Toxin Free DIY All Purpose Cleaner & Spray

Keeping a clean house is literally a full time job, hence why services exist to clean our homes. Cleaning is a dirty job. Yes, such an oxymoron. All the elbow grease and oomph you put into keeping a clean home. From the laundry to the dishes, vacuuming to the dusting, scrubbing and mopping. I do my best in our house to keep each room clean as we go about each day, while this is idealistic with three kids, we give it the old college try. As I mentioned in my DIY Softscrub and Ajax post, my kitchen is the most beloved room in my house. Nirvana, a sense of zen and peace wash over me while in my kitchen, so I go to great lengths to keep it clean. Bathrooms, however, are at the top of my least favorite room in the house, yet the second most important to keep clean. So I needed a DIY all purpose cleaner and spray that could cut through grease and shit…pardon the pun. Continue reading “52 Weeks to Toxin Free DIY All Purpose Cleaner & Spray”

52 Weeks to Toxin Free DIY Softscrub or Ajax

DIY kitchen cleaner, DIY cleaner with borax, DIY cleaner essential oils, DIY soft scrub essential oils, non-toxic household cleaner

My kitchen is the most coveted room in the house next to my bedroom. Cleaning with a toxin free cleaner was challenging, so I wanted to share my DIY Softscrub AJjax type cleaner recipe. Have you ever watched chefs and the staff clean a five star restaurant? Yes that is what happens in my kitchen; every surface is scrubbed down, every corner covered by scrubbing and cleaning and the use of hot water and a proper disinfecting cleanser. Literally you could eat off the counters and floors since I am so meticulous about crumbs, dirt, and grime in my kitchen. However I struggled with the use of commercial and toxic cleansers like bleach, softscrub, 409, you name it I used these products in my kitchen and even my bathrooms. The fumes soon became overwhelming after introducing essential oils into my home. So I thought about how my grandmothers would clean their kitchen, their homes. As part of our 52 weeks to toxin free, here is week one and how I began researching a DIY Softscrub or Ajax type of cleanser that was heavy duty but without the toxicity. Continue reading “52 Weeks to Toxin Free DIY Softscrub or Ajax”

52 Weeks to Toxin Free Home

essential oils, karie Herring essential oils, Young Living essential oills

Last year I made the decision to radically transform how my family maintains their wellness. Seven years ago we transformed the way we eat by eliminating toxic, processed food. Yet we did not eliminate all the toxins in our home, we still had cleaners, fabric softener, wax melts, and cosmetics to name a few. All of these compound on themselves with processed, unclean food, which can lead to illness and the off chance of cancer. In an effort to continue to ward off and thwart any illness attack, I was very eager to truly own my health (and that of my family) to the fullest. While I dove in with my essential oils, absorbing as much information as I could and bringing in the oils that would support my family’s wellness, I still felt like I could be doing more to have a toxin free home. Continue reading “52 Weeks to Toxin Free Home”

Alternative to Wen Cleansing Conditioner

cleansing conditioner, wen alternative, alternative to wen by chaz dean, conditioning wash, cowash

Two years ago while working at the bank I was sharing how stresses in my life were affecting me, more so than just a normal affliction. My hair was breaking, I was shedding more, I was a wreck. As I began to conquer my stress I wanted to be more gentle on my hair as well, something that helped to improve the overall look and feel. My coworkers shared how they started using Wen and how much they loved the product. So I recalled using it previously and thought I would give it a whirl again. My mane could not thank me more with the extra softness, bounce, body, manageability and how my style would hold longer. What I couldn’t love was the obnoxious price of a subscription. Saving my account from the fleecing of the Wen brand and name, I canceled my subscription and began seeking an alternative to Wen cleansing conditioner. Continue reading “Alternative to Wen Cleansing Conditioner”

Aurorae Sport & Swim Towel

aurorae sport and swim towel

Living an active lifestyle is rather messy. A day at the gym and I am a hot mess. An afternoon by my pool is much the same, sweaty and drenched in water in some fashion. Hikes in the cooler mornings and temperatures can also result in being a bit disheveled. Using my clothes to soak up my events makes me a bit more uncomfortable, so I always take a towel. I am finding that my usual hand towels cannot stand up to the job. Continue reading “Aurorae Sport & Swim Towel”

Spry wins Whole Foods Natural Choice for dental care and giveaway

spry, natural dental care, natural toothpaste, sugar free toothpaste, xylitol, spry dental care

Much of our good health stems from proper dental and oral care. Albeit we loathe a visit to the dentist, we would struggle more with an unhealthy mouth and smile. Part of overall health in our home is seeking out products that are better for you and the environment. Luckily my dentist has great taste in products when they referred us to Spry some years ago.

You might be familiar with Xlear Inc. as they started off in natural care in 2000 with their line of saline nasal spray, Xlear Sinus Care Nasal Spray. We have used this almost exclusively in our home for treating sniffles, sneezes, itchy noses and inflammation when cold and flu season flare up. Continue reading “Spry wins Whole Foods Natural Choice for dental care and giveaway”

How Low Testosterone Affected My Health

depression, anxiety, loneliness, low testosterone

Sitting at my desk at work I was flip flopping between hot flashes and cold spells. “I must be getting sick” as I rationalized my condition.  Heightened emotions also accompanied with rolling feelings of exhaustion, as I simply could not get out of bed anymore. I was even falling asleep shortly after dinner, so I rationalized that too, “Well maybe I am going to start my period.” Even though I just went through my cycle and I was not experiencing the traditional monster pimple that rears itself just before I start, I made that excuse as my personal self-diagnosis. For weeks these feelings continued. For months I rationalized what was wrong with me. Until I made the appointment with my doctor to really see what was going on with my health. Continue reading “How Low Testosterone Affected My Health”

CLA for flat belly

cla, belly fat loss, lean muscle, cla supplement

As someone who works out on a regimented basis I am always looking to ensure I am adding all the proper supplements to my diet and exercise routine. Working with weights and cardio exercise can take a toll if you are not eating and or sleeping properly. Not to mention our foods do not always have the adequate amount of nutrition we need for a fully rounded diet. So I like to supplement in my diet, such as a good fish oil and daily multivitamin. Continue reading “CLA for flat belly”

Common Breast Cancer Misconceptions

It is not surprising that a disease as devastating as breast cancer would have myths or misconceptions surrounding it. It is sometimes hard to know what to believe – and even mainstream media is guilty of propagating some of these falsehoods. In this day and age of instantaneous publishing, some studies would likely not pass muster in highly regarded peer-reviewed scientific publications, but are widely posted online and even broadcast by major media outlets. Continue reading “Common Breast Cancer Misconceptions”