Wake Up!
I woke up this morning to a message from my sister-in-law. It was a news article, “Brink of a Fertility Crisis: Scientists says Plummeting Sperm Counts Caused by Everyday Products.” This was a forty year study done at Mount Sinai (article linked below). My first thought is, “We know this already.” We may not know the specifics that the study dives into, but we know this. Second thought, the people who care about this article are already aware of the harmful effects the products on our store shelves are having on our bodies. Why? Well, one, they have either encountered a health problem that required them to wake up, or two, the have been doing the digging on their own based on something someone told them. Third thought, “When are people going to care? When are they going to WAKE UP?”
Infertility issues were a wakeup call for me. First with food...the products came later. I have said it before. I could have accepted that Clomid or Metformin the day I was told about PCOS. However, I like to know why things are happening to me and asked why. If it were not for a nurse practitioner that enlightened me, I would have taken those pills on the spot and never known what I was doing to my body day in and day out.
Did I still need the pills? I did. I am incredibly grateful for them
. Medicine isn’t bad. Those pills brought helped me conceive two baby boys. Those pills weren’t taking care of my hormonal imbalances though. It went deeper than trying to conceive. There was a reason my hormones weren’t normal. Thanks to my nurse practitioner, my eyes were opened. When you start to notice changes in your body based on foods and products you are using, you keep doing better. You are enlightened to a deeper issue that pills aren’t going to fix. Feeling good and healthy is motivating. I also want better for my kids, so I am instilling what I know and learned in them.
. Medicine isn’t bad. Those pills brought helped me conceive two baby boys. Those pills weren’t taking care of my hormonal imbalances though. It went deeper than trying to conceive. There was a reason my hormones weren’t normal. Thanks to my nurse practitioner, my eyes were opened. When you start to notice changes in your body based on foods and products you are using, you keep doing better. You are enlightened to a deeper issue that pills aren’t going to fix. Feeling good and healthy is motivating. I also want better for my kids, so I am instilling what I know and learned in them.What we are putting in and on our bodies is having a HUGE impact on us and our children. Hormonal imbalance is just one area of impact. Why do people develop odd reactions, allergies, disorders, chronic conditions later in life? Well, we have pretty much our gut and liver through the ringer for our entire life. That is a lot of damage to undo! It requires patience and consistency which is something a lot of us do not have.
I just cracked open a book called Metabolical: The Lure and the Lies of Processed Food, Nutrition, and Modern Medicine by Robert H. Lustig. This pediatric endocrinologist of 40 years emphasizes the importance of gut and liver health. I highly recommend it if you are looking to do better for your health.
What impacts our gut and liver? Everything we put in and on our bodies. Food is the hardest part of it all. The food we eat is a decision we are faced with multiple times a day. Here are some rules of thumb that we like to stick to when we are shopping and cooking in our home:
- If there is sugar, there must be fiber. That was a big takeaway I got from a documentary called “FedUP”. Fiber is a big factor in how our body processes sugar.
- Avoid “added sugars”.
- Keep things balanced. If we indulge in pizza or burgers, we balance it with some fruit or veggies.
- Wash your fruits & veggies! The unknown toxins and chemicals in soil and crops nowadays can linger on our produce. Let’s wash away what we can!
- Prep ahead. On days you feel motivated, going ahead a prep! You aren’t going to feel like doing it at the end of the day. Do all the chopping, egg boiling, and lunch packing ahead of time.
Products we use on our bodies and in our home are easy to swap, once you find clean products you love and trust. Is it overwhelming? It sure can be!
Here are some simple steps you can take to start transforming your home.
- Pick a room in your house to start with. Is it the kitchen? Bedroom? Laundry room?
- Make a list of products that you have in that room.
- Set a budget. How much do you have to spend on new product for that room?
- Ask for hacks or DIYS. The beauty of a clean product is the versatility!
- Rewards programs. Commitment is scary BUT when it comes to the products you use daily in your home, it is well worth the commitment. Rewards make switching budget friendly.
Let’s chat, what room would you start with? What is the item that you are having trouble letting go of?
“Purchasing quality, toxin-free products, costs more money.” says everyone I have every talked to about plant-based products. To be honest, I am not going to disagree. As someone who looks at the price before I dive into the product, I said the same thing and sometimes, still do. Quality, toxin-free products can cost more but there are a few things to consider here.
1. Will that clean, toxin-free product last longer? Chances are, that the answer is yes. Whether it be through a recipe, DIY, product hack, or more simply put, HIGH QUALITY ingredients that result in less product being required for use.
2. Why does that product on the store shelf cost less? Chances are, inexpensive, harsh chemicals, synthetic ingredients, and fragrances have been added to give you the overt appeal of quality and luxury. However, dig a little deeper and ask yourself, has it potentially been diluted by these ingredients, resulting in using more of the product for results? Or most importantly, does continued use compromise your health?
3. What is the impact of those unknown ingredients, hash chemicals, and fragrances? There is a big one. Just because you cannot see it now, does not mean that your body is not having to work against these ingredients that we are repeatedly exposing it to. Overlooking these concerns day in and day out, over time, will eventually result in the negative effects coming to the surface.
Over the past several years I have learned the benefit and art of subscriptions/loyalty programs. I know, I know…that literally makes almost every single one of us pump the breaks and go the opposite direction. I just had this same experience at Costco yesterday. My spending alerted them contact me about the next membership tier. I instantly started to question my spending habits and said, “Not today, thanks!” I sat there and was in shock with the dollar amount that I had spent. I thought about it and realized; this is food I am purchasing to feed my family. I should not feel guilty about it. It is not like I am purchasing handbags and shoes. As I drove away, and really processed it, I realized my decision made no sense whatsoever. Clearly, I like the products at Costco. I trust the brands and like the healthy options. Why wouldn’t I say, “Yes, I am going to be a loyal customer and earn perks for my healthy shopping with you!”?
Fear of commitment, I guess! However, if I learn it is not for me, it is as simple as cancelling.
When I take into consideration Young Living, I wanted to share the art of building an order with this company. Do you like the products? I do! Obviously 😊 I trust that I do not have to read labels. I know that they are made with the best essential oils in the world (meaning, I am getting an effective product). They have the best loyalty program I have ever been apart of. It costs me nothing but my product! What do I have to lose? We purchase all our household items from Young Living. Everything but the food, toothbrushes, and razors! These are just a few reasons why I jumped on this loyalty program.
1. It saves me a trip to the store! Let’s get real, multiple trips to the store.
2. No more label reading! Once you find a brand you trust, don’t you stick with it? You learn and know what you like. How long have you been shopping at your local grocery store? Clothing store?
3. Products last longer. I used to by shampoo monthly, now every three months. I used to purchase household cleaners every 1-2 months, now I purchase them every 4-6 months. I have a community that helps me make the most of my product and save me money.
4. Did I mention the community? A community of likeminded individuals looking to make healthy choices and not break the bank! A community of friends who pass along recipes, hacks, and favorite product ideas! You do not get a community from purchasing off the store shelves.
5. By moving that shopping list that I used to take with me to the store, over to Young Living, I earn the oils for FREE. I earn them through loyalty points and different promo tiers. What other loyalty program gives you 20% back in product points by month three? My family earns 25% back! I cannot pass that up. Essential Rewards is soon to be known as Loyalty Rewards!
While creating an order with Young Living is simple, there is an art to getting the most bang for your buck.
First:
Start with foundational health. These are your vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and supplements. If you are looking to target an area of your health, peek at these items first and start building from there. There is a good chance that the frequency of these items ordered, will be monthly.
Next:
Look at your household and personal care items. Those should be next on your order! This can be overwhelming, so I recommend starting with one room at a time. One month, switch the products in your laundry room. The next month, the kitchen. Since the products are a higher quality and last longer, you will not necessarily be purchasing these items every month.
Last: (The FREE part! The thank you!)
Take out that oil list! Are any of those oils free this month? Do you have enough points to cover the cost of your oils or will you after your order processes? For the most part, if you are doing your household shopping with Young Living, the oils should come FREE. If you are meeting the 300 tier you will notice that some of your products, come FREE as well, thanks to your loyalty points!
Here is a quick example of our free gifts with purchase when you do your household shopping with Young Living.
I would love to help you brainstorm an order so that you can earn the free oils and product you deserve for making healthy household decisions by shopping with Young Living and supporting our community. I truly value to rewards I earn for putting my health first when I shop for our home. There is something for everyone!
This year, more than ever, our teachers deserve lots of love. According to Google, next week is Teacher Appreciation week. If you are anything like me, this week always tends to sneak up on me. Not to fret though! Nothing some oils, a run to Target, and a quick Amazon Prime order can’t help with.
Below, you will find five gifts to get through the week! They are sure to brighten a teacher’s day and provide them something to spoil themselves with daily.
Monday:
The start of the week can be slow moving. Treat your teacher to a hot beverage with a gift card to their favorite coffee/tea spot. Make a quick run to Target and grab some crinkle paper and a cute mug! Place the paper in the mug and top it with your gift card. Now, for the fun part! Grab a small jar and create a flavored sugar to pair with the mug. See the two recipes below!
Place the items in a cute gift bag and you are all set.
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Tuesday:
This is my favorite gift idea! Run to Target to grab a cute beach towel and a fun magazine. Magnolia Home…Simple…. whatever reading material that is up your teacher’s alley. Pair this with a “Take Me to the Beach” body mist. See the recipe below. I would grab a six-ounce bottle for this one.
When I think of the beach, I think of Stress Away, Lavender, Cedarwood, Lime, Grapefruit, Vanilla or even White Angelica! Look and see what oils you have on hand and get creative!
Wednesday:
With all the handwashing and sanitizing these days, the hands could use some pampering. While you are browsing the aisles of Target go ahead and pick up a small make-up pouch, a cute nail file, and a pretty shade of nail polish. Head home and reach for those oils because you are going to pair that cute bundle of goodies with an awesome cuticle roller! Not a fan of the pouch idea? How about a gift card for a manicure?
See recipe below.
10 drops Lavender
10 drops Lemon
10 drops Frankincense
Top with Vitamin E and roll along your cuticle daily!!
10 drops Lemon
10 drops Frankincense
Top with Vitamin E and roll along your cuticle daily!!
Thursday:
Wednesday we pampered the hands. Thursday we are taking care of those feet! Teachers are on their feet all day, every day. How lovely would it be to come home and reach for a refreshing, yet nourishing scrub for their tired feet?
(From the Life Steps app)
Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons of Organic Sugar
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons of Honey
1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice
3 Drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
Directions:
In a bowl mix 2 Tablespoons of organic sugar, 1 Tablespoon of olive oil, 2 Tablespoons of honey, 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice, and 3 drops of peppermint essential oil together.
Write the instructions on a cute gift tag!
Scrub mixture onto feet
Wrap fee with warm damp towels and let sit for 5 minutes
After 5 minutes remove towel and wipe off scrub.
Friday:
The week has come to an end! Our teachers are tired. Let us give them something they can unwind with to wrap up their work week. While at Target, grab a cute throw or eye mask. Pair with an “Unwind” dropper that they can massage into their feet as they get ready for bed. Think of the oils that you enjoy while watching TV at night or reading a book. Add these to a 15 mL dropper bottle and top with fractionated coconut oil.
I would add 25-30 drops total. One of my favorite combinations is Lavender, Cedarwood, and Orange.
SHOPPING LIST!
If you are an oiler, I am sure you can get by with whatever oils you have on hand for the above recipes! Grab your Young Living citrus oils, your relaxation oils, peppermint, and Frankincense. You may also have sugar, lemon juice, and honey already on hand for the scrub. Take a look at these shopping lists below that will make putting these gifts together, so simple.
Target:
Cute gift tags and string to label
Small gift bags
Crinkle Paper
Coffee Gift Card
Coffee Mug
Nail polish, make-up pouch, file
Beach Towel
Magazine
4 ounce jar with lid ( scrub)
Blanket/throw
Amazon:
Vitamin E
Rose Water
Witch Hazel ( alcohol Free)
Aloe Vera Gel
6 ounce spray bottle
I hope sharing these ideas helps make showing some appreciation a little easier on you! These simple and thoughtful gifts are sure to make for a fun week of gift giving.
The Dirt on Spring Cleaning + Products
WHAT ARE YOU CLEANING WITH?
Ahhh! Open those windows and breathe in that fresh spring air! Spring is here, which means it’s time to start thinking about our spring cleaning checklists. There’s just something about the nice weather that brings on motivation for a fresh start. So let’s get to it! But wait, before you reach for those cleaners and get to work, let’s do a little digging into those ingredients, shall we?
Did you know? In 2000, cleaning products were responsible for nearly 10% of all toxic exposures reported to U.S. Poison Control Centers, accounting for 206,636 calls. Of these, 120,434 exposures involved children under six who can swallow or spill cleaners stored or left open inside the home. With no federal regulations on ingredients in household products, the only way we can protect our families is to learn how to read labels ourselves.
Let’s take a look at the top 4 ingredients to avoid and why.
UP FIRST, AND THE BIG ONE, FRAGRANCE!
This first ingredient is a BIG ONE, but it is in just about every household product that we use daily. Synthetic scents or “fragrances” represent an unidentified mixture of ingredients, including carcinogens, allergens, respiratory irritants, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxic chemicals, and environmental toxicants. You can find these artificial scents in all kinds of body care and cosmetic products, as well as candles, air fresheners, cleaning materials, and laundry detergents.
Let’s talk about fragrance, or parfum or perfume or a million other names ;) This Article shares the dangers of Fragrance. "Synthetic scents or “fragrance” represent an unidentified mixture of ingredients including carcinogens, allergens, respiratory irritants, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxic chemicals, and environmental toxicants. You can find these artificial scents in all kinds of body care and cosmetic products, as well as air fresheners, cleaning materials, and laundry detergents.
In general, there at least 3,000 ingredients that companies could use to form a product’s scent. According to the online “Transparency List” put out by the International Fragrance Association, an industry trade group. It may seem unbelievable, but the FDA does not even require fragrance and cosmetic makers to disclose exactly what they are using to scent products. If companies are using truly natural ingredients, then why be shy? Many will say that their formulas are proprietary, and they don’t want other companies copying them. The FDA website also states how the agency cannot legally require companies to warn about allergens in cosmetics like they do with food.
Are you wondering why companies would continue to use synthetic scents if they’re so bad for our health? The answer is straightforward — they are cheaper. Synthetic scents can be extremely cheap to give everything from shampoo to lotion to candles a desirable scent. Unfortunately, just because you enjoy a scent doesn’t mean it’s good for you." Source - https://draxe.com/health/dangers-synthetic-scents/
PARABENS/PHTHALATES
Parabens are preservatives that mimic estrogen. Found in many cosmetics & personal care items. When combined with heregulin, a growth-promoting substance normally found in breast tissue, the effects are multiplied by 100x, contributing to breast cancer, tumor growth &"moobs" (man boobs). Phthalates are a low-cost endocrine-disrupting chemical that in lab studies has shown to interfere with hormone production in rats and mimic estrogen in human studies. Found in: plastic food packaging, lotions, skin moisturizers, fragrance, cleaners, glues, and nail polish.
SLS - SODIUM LAUREL SULFATE
This chemical is used to de-grease car engines. It is also added to some toothpaste, soaps, detergent, skin products... it's in just about everything. It damages the kidneys/liver, teeth, endocrine system, causes hair loss, cataracts, ulcers, major toxicity, headaches, nausea, coughing, congestion, and more.
TRICLOSAN
An antibacterial agent registered as a pesticide by the EPA. Topical absorption has shown disturbances to the endocrine system and is believed to lead to birth defects and uncontrollable cell growth. Found in: soaps, deodorants, cosmetics, shave gel, first aid spray, kitchenware, and toys.
While there are many, many other ingredients that you will want to know about, these are my "TOP OFFENDERS." As you go further on this low tox living journey, you will learn about so many more. Remember, "Rome Wasn't Built In A Day," and your journey of learning is just that, a journey.
I have a FUN Spring Cleaning Challenge starting in April! 7 Challenges in 10 Days with FANTASTIC info on why you should do them, all for FREEEE and with accountability! Are you ready to join in??? Let’s DO IT!!! We start Monday, April 5th but you are welcome to join at your convenience.
WHAT ARE YOU CLEANING WITH?
Ahhh! Open those windows and breathe in that fresh spring air! Spring is here, which means it’s time to start thinking about our spring cleaning checklists. There’s just something about the nice weather that brings on motivation for a fresh start. So let’s get to it! But wait, before you reach for those cleaners and get to work, let’s do a little digging into those ingredients, shall we?
Did you know? In 2000, cleaning products were responsible for nearly 10% of all toxic exposures reported to U.S. Poison Control Centers, accounting for 206,636 calls. Of these, 120,434 exposures involved children under six who can swallow or spill cleaners stored or left open inside the home. With no federal regulations on ingredients in household products, the only way we can protect our families is to learn how to read labels ourselves.
Let’s take a look at the top 4 ingredients to avoid and why.
UP FIRST, AND THE BIG ONE, FRAGRANCE!
This first ingredient is a BIG ONE, but it is in just about every household product that we use daily. Synthetic scents or “fragrances” represent an unidentified mixture of ingredients, including carcinogens, allergens, respiratory irritants, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxic chemicals, and environmental toxicants. You can find these artificial scents in all kinds of body care and cosmetic products, as well as candles, air fresheners, cleaning materials, and laundry detergents.
Let’s talk about fragrance, or parfum or perfume or a million other names ;) This Article shares the dangers of Fragrance. "Synthetic scents or “fragrance” represent an unidentified mixture of ingredients including carcinogens, allergens, respiratory irritants, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxic chemicals, and environmental toxicants. You can find these artificial scents in all kinds of body care and cosmetic products, as well as air fresheners, cleaning materials, and laundry detergents.
In general, there at least 3,000 ingredients that companies could use to form a product’s scent. According to the online “Transparency List” put out by the International Fragrance Association, an industry trade group. It may seem unbelievable, but the FDA does not even require fragrance and cosmetic makers to disclose exactly what they are using to scent products. If companies are using truly natural ingredients, then why be shy? Many will say that their formulas are proprietary, and they don’t want other companies copying them. The FDA website also states how the agency cannot legally require companies to warn about allergens in cosmetics like they do with food.
Are you wondering why companies would continue to use synthetic scents if they’re so bad for our health? The answer is straightforward — they are cheaper. Synthetic scents can be extremely cheap to give everything from shampoo to lotion to candles a desirable scent. Unfortunately, just because you enjoy a scent doesn’t mean it’s good for you." Source - https://draxe.com/health/dangers-synthetic-scents/
PARABENS/PHTHALATES
Parabens are preservatives that mimic estrogen. Found in many cosmetics & personal care items. When combined with heregulin, a growth-promoting substance normally found in breast tissue, the effects are multiplied by 100x, contributing to breast cancer, tumor growth &"moobs" (man boobs). Phthalates are a low-cost endocrine-disrupting chemical that in lab studies has shown to interfere with hormone production in rats and mimic estrogen in human studies. Found in: plastic food packaging, lotions, skin moisturizers, fragrance, cleaners, glues, and nail polish.
SLS - SODIUM LAUREL SULFATE
This chemical is used to de-grease car engines. It is also added to some toothpaste, soaps, detergent, skin products... it's in just about everything. It damages the kidneys/liver, teeth, endocrine system, causes hair loss, cataracts, ulcers, major toxicity, headaches, nausea, coughing, congestion, and more.
TRICLOSAN
An antibacterial agent registered as a pesticide by the EPA. Topical absorption has shown disturbances to the endocrine system and is believed to lead to birth defects and uncontrollable cell growth. Found in: soaps, deodorants, cosmetics, shave gel, first aid spray, kitchenware, and toys.
While there are many, many other ingredients that you will want to know about, these are my "TOP OFFENDERS." As you go further on this low tox living journey, you will learn about so many more. Remember, "Rome Wasn't Built In A Day," and your journey of learning is just that, a journey.
I have a FUN Spring Cleaning Challenge starting in April! 7 Challenges in 10 Days with FANTASTIC info on why you should do them, all for FREEEE and with accountability! Are you ready to join in??? Let’s DO IT!!! We start Monday, April 5th but you are welcome to join at your convenience.
Join here and scroll to the bottom to enter!
What does it mean when my oil bottle has a white label?
Well, that while label means you have your hands on a Vitality oil. What does this mean? It is considered GRAS ( Generally Regarded as Safe) by the FDA. Young Living's Vitality labels mean that the oil you have in your hand is okay to use for ingestion purposes. Does that mean go a guzzle a bottle of lemon oil? Um, no. There is a safe way to ingest your oils and I am here to share a couple of those ways with you today.
I am about to start the 5-Day Nutritive Cleanse. The Digest and Cleanse supplement is out of stock so I am creating my own capsules using Peppermint and Digize Vitality oil. If you have ever applied these oils topically, then you know that taking them in a capsule is about to work all sorts of magic on my GI tract.
There are various ways to use your vitality oils in capsule form. Some may create an immunity support blend, or a weight loss support blend, or even an oil to aid with those seasonal sniffles. Here are some examples of recipes I snagged from the Simply Wellness book from Oil Supply Store.
Now, these capsules look amazing, right? Only, creating your own essential oil capsule sounds slightly intimidating. I am here to show you that it is actually quite simple! Whether you are making a single capsule or a large batch to store in the fridge, this video will walk you through how to create your own.
This option is perfect if the oils you are looking to use aren't the best tasting. I used to drop my oils onto a teaspoon of honey but Digize is a little too strong for my liking.
Don't forget about adding your oils to your water! I like mixing up a large pitch of ice cold water to have ready to go all week long. Here are a few of my favorite recipes...
Cucumber Mint Pick Me Up
1 pitcher of cold water
5-7 drops of Peppermint
7-10 drops Orange/Tangerine
Sliced cucumber to float on top.
Citrus Boost
1 pitcher of cold water
7 drops Lemon
7 drops Grapefruit
7 drops Lime
Float sliced oranges on top.
Afternoon Tea
3 drops Orange
1 drop Spearmint
Mug of warm green tea
Enjoy these recipes and this fantastic tool in supporting your wellness with essential oils.
