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Did you know that being in nature is a natural stress reliever?  Studies have shown that spending time in forests and other green areas can be therapeutic to the soul and lower stress levels.  According to research, Muscle tension, stress hormones, blood pressure and heart rate all decrease much more rapidly in natural settings.  Being in nature has a calming effect on the mind and helps us to unwind, promoting a sense of serenity.   It boosts our natural production of serotonin and increases positive emotions including our ability to show empathy.

Getting outside boosts your vitamin D levels.  Vitamin D is responsible for boosting immunity and lowering your risk of various diseases.

Go outside and take in some fresh air.  Although there is air pollution outside, there is far more air pollution indoors and it poses an even greater risk to your health. Some of these risks include heart disease, bronchitis, asthma, and lung cancer.

Have you ever heard of grounding or earthing?  It’s the process of making direct contact with the earth. Studies have shown that grounding (earthing) can lower your inflammation levels, reduce chronic pain, speed up the healing process, and reduce the effects of aging. There are dozens of companies out there that sell products (mats and shoes) that make it more convenient to ground ourself, however, I still prefer the good old fashioned way of going barefoot.

So, If you’re feeling down in the dumps, get outside and go for a walk, or sit by a stream, or on a rock.  Walk barefoot in the grass or in the sand. Take a few deep breaths and relax, listen to the birds and the wind in the treetops.  Most importantly, just get outside!

 

 

Bees are such amazing little creatures.  They have been around for millions of years, just pollinating away!

As a child, I was fascinated with watching them fly from flower to flower and working away gathering all of the goodies to take back to their hives.  I would lay in the grass and just watch them for hours, still do sometimes.

My husband can attest to my love of the honey bee. One summer, my husband had left his soda sitting on the back of the truck while we were outside working.  When he went to take a drink, he got quite the surprise..a bee!  He quickly spit the little honey bee into his hand and looked over at me saying. “I almost swallowed a bee!” I’m not sure he was expecting my response which resulted in me gently taking the bee from him, sprinkling it with water and placing it on a dry surface and blowing on it’s wings to help it dry out!  I think I remember turning to him and saying, “You traumatized the poor thing!!” After a few minutes of drying off, the little bee regained its little insect composure and flew away.  I turned to my husband and said, “that was close!” Of course his jaw was still on the ground. “I could have been stung,” he said, as I walked back over to where he was standing. “But you weren’t,” I replied, without missing a beat.  We laugh about it now, but I think he was a little upset at the time because my first response was to try and revive the bee (which I successfully did, I might add.)  I was “saving the bees” before it was cool and have taught my children to look out for and protect the bees as well.

Imagine my excitement when I learned that we have a Bee Farm (Desert Creek Honey) less than 7 miles away from where I currently live!  I could hardly contain myself.  I use honey as one of my alternatives to sugar and I incorporate bee pollen into our smoothies, smoothie bowls, and hot tea during allergy season as part of our wellness plan.

So what are the benefits of Raw Unfiltered Honey???

Raw honey is a good source of antioxidants, which help to protect the body from cell damage caused by free radicals! Free radicals can contribute to premature aging and many diseases.  Studies also show that polyphenols in honey may play a role in protecting the heart.

Other benefits of raw honey are its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.  Raw honey naturally contains hydrogen peroxide, which is a natural antiseptic.  We keep a jar of Manuka honey on hand to put on cuts and scrapes. Amazing stuff! If you’ve never heard of Manuka Honey, Google it! Every household should have it!

There are an abundance of Phytonutrients found in raw honey.  Phytonutrients are compounds found in plants that help the plant thrive and protect them from damage.

Raw honey has been used to help heal digestive issues with much success. Just 1-2 teaspoons a day on an empty stomach can soothe the digestive tract.

Effective for coughs and sore throats.

 

What about Honeybee pollen?

Many holistic health proponents tout the benefits of bee pollen.  Bee pollen is a fine powdery collection of substances from plants that bees store in the hives.  Like the raw honey, the pollen helps to combat free radicals, fight aging, help reduce the production of histamines during allergy season and because it is so nutrient dense it can increase energy.  Other benefits of honeybee pollen include:

Boosting Metabolism
Strengthening the Immune System
Possibly Increase Fertility
Improve Skin Health
Helps to Support Proper Hormone Balance
and Improves Digestion

I could go on and on about honey and bees.  It’s fascinating how nature works and how such a small creature can be so beneficial and play such an important role in sustaining all forms of life on earth!

If you don’t have anywhere locally to buy high quality raw honey, please feel free to click on the link above. Desert Creek has an online presence and ships all over the US.    (They aren’t sponsoring me to say that. I just like helping others out when I can.)

 

I know that you’ve heard me talk about it before…the Young Living Seed to Seal Commitment.  It’s because quality really does matter.  Young Living is very particular with the way they grow and cultivate their herbs for essential oil production.  They believe that these plants should be grown on virgin, uncontaminated land.  Lands that are free of chemical herbicides, fertilizers, pesticides and fungicides; far away from interstates, large heavily populated cities, factories, and nuclear plants!

The soil nourished with minerals, organic mulch, and enzymes in order to produce healthy robust plants that will yield higher quality oils.  The crops should be watered with deep well, watershed, or reservoir water.  (Mountain streams would be ideal with their high mineral content.) Municipally treated water should be avoided due to it’s ability to introduce unwanted chemical residues into the plants contaminating their essential oils.
The plant variety also matters!  Only plants that produce the highest quality essential oils should be selected!

Harvest time is one of the most important factors in the production of high quality essential oils. The season and time of day can play a critical role in whether the oil yield is of the best or substandard quality.  This difference in quality can literally be determined by just a few hours!  Take for example, German Chamomile harvested in the morning hours will produce an oil with far more azulene (a powerful compound that promotes a healthy inflammation response) than German Chamomile harvested in the late afternoon! How crazy is that??  Season and time of day aren’t the only factors to be considered when harvesting for quality essential oils, amount of dew on the leaves, percentage of plants in bloom, and the weather conditions two weeks prior to harvesting also play critical roles in the process.

Distillery location is a critical factor in the production of high quality essential oil.  Making sure the distillery is located in close proximity to the fields where the herbs are grown prevents the plants from drying out prior to being distilled.  Another advantage to local distillation?  Minimizing the exposure to pollutants, dust, mold, and petrochemical residues!

These are all actions taken by Young Living to ensure the quality of their essential oil products!  They stand behind the products that they produce.  If it isn’t grown on a Young Living Farm, it’s grown on a Young Living Partner farm and must adhere to these same strict standards.  There is a reason that Young Living is the World Leader in Essential Oils.

 

 

 

Ingredients:
2 – medium red or yellow onions, chopped
3 – tablespoons of real butter, melted
8 – medium-sized zucchini, sliced
3 cups of vegetable broth.
1 cup cashew milk or coconut milk
1/2 tsp Himalayan pink salt
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp black pepper
A pinch cayenne pepper

Directions:
Sauté the onions in butter in a large sauce pan on medium heat until tender.
And zucchini and vegetable broth; and stir well.
Bring to boiling them cover, reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the zucchini is tender.
Remove from heat. Pour the contents into a blender and purée.
Return the Puritan mixture into the sauce pan.
Add the cashew or coconut milk along with the salt nutmeg and peppers and continue to cook until heated through.

Serve.

* optionally you can use 3 cups of chicken broth instead of the vegetable broth. You can also substitute a half a cup of half-and-half for the one cup of cashew or coconut milk.
If so desired you can add cheese for garnish.

 

I love make up!  I don’t wear it all the time, but when I do wear it, I want to look my very best! I want to look good, but I don’t want to slather toxic chemicals on my skin!  I don’t want those chemicals being absorbed and wreaking havoc on my body, which is why I am very pick about the products I will use.  Some of the companies that I personally recommend and pick and choose products from are 100% Pure and Painted Earth.  However, my absolute favorite cosmetic line is sold through Young Living and called Savvy Minerals. If they carried all of the products that I needed I am confident that I would use Savvy Minerals exclusively!  Why?

Savvy Minerals contain NO PARABENS, PHTHALATES, PETROCHEMICALS, BISMUTH, TALC, SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES, or SYNTHETIC COLORANTS. 100% Toxin-Free!

The Savvy Minerals Foundation is a mineral based (unlike any other mineral make up I have ever used) powder with a lightweight texture and buildable formula that blends perfectly into skin for a natural radiant finish!  (*Tip if you need more coverage try adding the Misting Spray, misting your brush before applying the powder foundation) (Currently 10 skin tone options to choose from)

Savvy Minerals Eyeshadow is a rich buildable and blendable color to create a variety of looks! (Currently 10 shades)

Savvy Minerals Blush choose from 3 different soft color choices to bring an effortless, natural-looking flush to your cheeks.

Savvy Minerals Diamond Veil is a translucent powder that smooths and evens skin tone, absorbs oil, and adds a luminous finish (Can also be used as a highlighter)

Savvy Minerals Lipstick choose from 5 different shades for a smooth buildable and weightless lip color that is perfect for everyday use.

Savvy Mineras Lip Gloss or choose this peppermint infused super smooth lip color (4 to choose from) with high impact shine!

Savvy Minerals Eyeliner is a black powder based eyeliner that looks amazing and stays put when mixed with a small quantity of water.

Savvy Minerals Multitasker a multipurpose brown powder that can act as an eyebrow filler, eyeliner, or eye shadow.

Savvy Minerals Misting Spray is a pigment and particle controlling mist that perfectly compliments and sets mineral makeup for a flawless finish!!

Sometimes it takes a massive shakeup in your life for you to wake up and see the world in a different light.

Bitterness, anger, avoidance and combative behavior solves nothing. Being kind, empathetic, understanding, compassionate and generally a happy person can have a huge impact on you as well as those around you. Perhaps the hardest, yet most freeing thing you can do is learn to forgive and move forward. (Sometimes THAT seems impossible)

Forgiveness. Many people say that they have forgiven someone, yet every time that individual’s name comes up you can just hear the anger or sarcasm in their voice and their facial expression changes. Clearly, they haven’t reached a level of true forgiveness. And I get it. I’ve been there. I’ve been hurt and angry. I have said I have forgiven someone but deep down I was still holding onto what they did. I couldn’t let it go. But true forgiveness requires that you do just that. LET. IT. GO! (Anyone else see Elsa from Frozen after reading that?) It also allows you to move forward and believe it or not, heal. When you begin to heal it becomes the most freeing feeling. You can talk about and think about that individual without bitterness or anger. Sometimes, you can even talk TO that person again.

It is easy to give advice to others and tell them to get over it or be kind even when others are unkind to you, but until you are faced with that situation (especially an extremely difficult and hurtful one) you truly don’t understand just how hard that can be. I think it’s our human nature to retaliate and want to hurt others that hurt us! We want them to hurt because of the pain they caused us…BUT doesn’t that make us just as bad as them? It doesn’t solve anything (may make you feel better in the moment though, right?). In the long run, you won’t feel any better and you will actually do more damage to both YOUR physical and emotional wellbeing.

When you finally learn to forgive, let go, and move forward…one of two things will happen; either you will find a way to rebuild that relationship (depending on how important that person was in your life…in my case, my father) or you will be able to move forward and leave that relationship behind. Regardless, you will find peace. And man, that is a great feeling!

Pastor McReynold’s (my grandmother’s minister) once said, “So many people think that hate is the opposite of love, but they are wrong. The true opposite of love is apathy.” Those words are so true. Hate comes from being hurt and caring too much. Now, I’m not saying we should all become apathetic. I’m saying that once another person’s actions or behaviors no longer evoke strong emotions from you, you have achieved complete forgiveness and are able to move forward.

Being hurt really stinks, but unfortunately, most of us will experience it in our lifetimes…it’s part of being human. How we deal with that hurt helps to define who we become. I have chosen to be a kinder, gentler, more loving person. I will not let someone else’s behavior harden my heart. What will you choose to do?

I loved that song as a little girl; still do in fact.  When I was little, my mother used to sing “Somewhere over the Rainbow” to me almost every night before bed and I would drift off to sleep.  It’s very sweet memory, one I will cherish throughout my entire lifetime.  It is also a memory and tradition I passed down to my own children…we now sing it together on car rides and have created our own memories.

Music is an amazing concept that can evoke very strong emotions and elicit very strong memories. During times of sadness, darkness, or struggles…music can renew your spirit and help you find your way back to a happy place.  Ordinary songs can take on brand new meaning and can comfort you in ways that you never thought imaginable.  In fact there are numerous studies that have been conducted that have proven that listening to music has an effect on our health, both mental and physical.  How cool is that?? Music can alter our mental and physical states and help us to relax, relieve pain, lower stress level, blood pressure and more!

So, whatever your taste in music may be, turn it on and turn it up!

(http://greatist.com/happiness/unexpected-health-benefits-music)

 

“Music can change the world because it can change people.”
― Bono

 

We have all dealt with toxic people and situations in our lives. Some situations and individuals cause us more distress than others and can wreak havoc on our health and wellbeing if we allow them to. 

NEVER let these people or situations steal your joy or rob you of your self worth. When someone engages in immoral, unethical and just downright nasty behavior, it is a reflection of their character. Ultimately, God or Karma will be the judge and jury. It is not our job to pass that judgement. Your character will be defined by how you choose to handle the situation. Initially, we are inclined to lash out, that’s just human nature. We want to hurt those that have hurt us. However, when you take the time to really delve into the situation and realize that it is not you with the issues, but the other person, you begin to change your mindset and almost feel sorry for them and anyone who feeds into their twisted web of confusion and lies. You pray for their soul. 

I am not saying, by any means, that you should accept someone’s delusional behavior or twisted reality. I am not saying that you should allow their toxicity to infiltrate your life. What I am saying is that, if you are a person of faith, you should pray for them and those they have under their spell. You should forgive them for the emotional harm that they may have caused you, and you should distance yourself, for your own sanity and emotional wellbeing. (If you are not a person of faith, just learn to distance yourself from the negative behavior for your own health). 

*There are studies that show a correlation between holding on to hurt and anger to poor health, both physical and emotional.

Forgiveness, meditation, positive thoughts, and even prayer can go a long way in healing your damaged soul and heart. By forgiving, distancing yourself from toxic people & situations and letting go, you are allowing your body to let go of any anger or hurt and allowing joy and happiness back in.  🙂❤️

So, the other day while I was making dinner, I decided to try my hand at a new gluten free bread recipe (I never have had much luck before.  It always turned out too hard or crumbly, was too difficult, too much sugar or required dairy).  Multitasking can get really interesting in my kitchen and I have been known to create completely new dishes while trying to follow too many different recipes at once (although I have to say half of these new concoctions aren’t too shabby).  Anyway, I was following a recipe I found on the internet and ended up adding a little too much apple cider vinegar to the mix, however I didn’t know it at the time.  The bread turned out fantastic!  It was light and fluffy!  Perfect!  It was so good, it didn’t last a day in our house.  Sooooo, the next day I decided to make another two loaves, but actually followed the recipe correctly….wasn’t quite the hit it was the night before.  The third time was perfect!  My family loves this stuff and it’s so easy to make!

I know many of my friends suffer from gluten sensitivities and struggle to find a good bread replacement.  So, here ya go!  And enjoy!!

 

Awesomest Gluten Free Homemade Bread (Grain, sugar and dairy free)

1 cup Cashew or Coconut butter (I use 1/2 cup of coconut butter and 1/2 cup raw cashew butter)
4 large free range pastured Eggs
1-2 Tbsp Honey or Maple Syrup
2 1/2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1/4 c Gluten Free Flour
1/4 c Cashew, Almond, or Coconut Milk
1 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Himalayan Pink Salt

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 300 degrees and place a small glass dish of water on the bottom rack (this step is REALLY important)
2) Line a large loaf pan with parchment paper and spray with organic cooking spray.
3) Separate egg yolks from egg whites and set the whites aside.
4) Mix egg yolks with the cashew and or coconut butter, slowly adding vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and milk
5) In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt)
6) Back to the egg whites…beat egg whites until peaks form.
7)(((MAKE SURE THE OVEN IS PREHEATED AND READY)))
8) Combine the dry ingredients with the butter and egg mixture and mix until well combined.
9) Add the beaten egg whites until just combined (do not over mix)
10) Immediately pour into loaf pan or pans and place in the oven.
11) Bake for 45-55 minutes being sure NOT TO OPEN THE OVEN FOR AT LEAST 40 MINUTES. (If you want to check progress, turn on the light)
12) Remove from oven and cool for 15-20 minutes.
13) Gently remove from loaf pan(s) and cool on a wire rack for 1 hour before serving.
14) Wrap tightly and store in fridge for up to 1 week.

Printable Recipe

I spent the better part of my life not going to a chiropractor.  I’m not really sure what my excuse was.  I was kind of afraid of them, maybe? All of that “bone cracking” kinda frightened me a little.  It seemed a little odd to me, I guess.  Of course, others around me didn’t seem to disagree either.  My friends and even my family physician dismissed chiropractors as “quacks.” My mind was made up, I was steering as far clear of those “quack doctors” as possible. (And to think, I had made up my mind when I was no more than 10 years old!!)

Flash forward 10 years. I was now 20 years old and moving some furniture in my new apartment when all of the sudden, I heard a “pop.”  That awful sound was followed by pain in my left hip that gradually spread into my lower back and became so excruciating that I couldn’t walk, stand, sit…anything!  Everything was uncomfortable!  Of course, I went to my family doctor and after examination, he determined I had “thrown my back out” and quickly prescribed, muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and a couple of other types of medications, along with instructions to ice it, blah, blah, blah! Six weeks later, I was golden…good as new!  I felt like a million bucks!  Woohoo!  Yay, for my awesome doctor and his awesome miracle drugs!  Flash forward 2 years.  I sneezed!  I SNEEZED! Guess what?  Back to the doctor, back on the meds and again, 6 weeks later, I was better.  I was miserable!  Was I destined to have these horrible episodes forever?  Over the course of the next 15 years, I would turn wrong or sleep wrong or whatever wrong and again my back would go out and I’d suffer through 6 weeks of pain and recovery.  This 6 week recovery time became a nightmare.  I have kids and a husband to take care of!! (It’s not fun when you have to crawl from room to room because the muscles in your back are refusing to cooperate).

Finally, last August, I decided to be brave. My lovely friend Shannon and her husband Norbert offered a Chiropractic Evaluation for me and my children.  It wasn’t scary at all.  In fact I welcomed the change!  After returning home, I immediately set up an appointment with a local chiropractor and we worked out a family plan so that my family could receive regular adjustments to keep our bodies in top shape.  Best decision I have made in a VERY long time (best decision ever was accepting the proposal of my awesome and handsome husband, Allen).  We have been going regularly, but due to unforeseen family emergencies and situations over the past few months, our schedule got a little out of whack and our regular visits weren’t so regular.

Wednesday afternoon, I guess I turned wrong.  As the day progressed, so did the spasms, pain, and raising of the left hip.  By evening I was in tears.  My daughter administered a Raindrop Technique and my husband did his best to work out the kinks in the muscles and then iced them.  Without them, I’m positive I wouldn’t have been able to get out of bed Thursday morning!  1 pm on Thursday couldn’t come fast enough.  I was in pain.  Muscles in spasm and I am sure I was starting to look like Quasimodo when I walked.  I walked into my chiropractor’s office and told him what was going on (I had never had to see him for an acute issue, so this was going to be the real test).  I told him that historically, my recovery time was somewhere around 6 weeks.  His response was music to my ears, ” We’ll get you feeling better in no time! It won’t take 6 weeks.” He manipulated my bones and and all that good stuff they do. He then administered some muscle therapy to help relax the spasms. I was already feeling better! I left with no medications or prescriptions. He said, go home. Walk. Don’t sit for prolonged periods of time and ice it before bed.  Then come back on Tuesday.  Of course, I followed all instructions! (My awesome husband decided to add a TENS device to the mix as well.)  Yay!  By last night, I felt 60% better than I did before I stepped foot in the chiropractors office!

This morning I woke up sore.  Sore is okay though.  I can do sore.  No spasms, no excruciating pain and no weird posture when I walked. It’s been less than 24 hours since I went to the chiropractor and I can walk like a normal person!  I cannot tell you just how exciting this is for me.  90% better!

So, my advice to you…if you have back issues or even if you feel perfectly fine, go see your chiropractor.  If you don’t have one, get one.  Look for a wellness based one.  If insurance doesn’t cover your care, ask them to please work with you to develop a plan for you and your family’s health.  Many will work with you and want you to be healthy. Chiropractic care has been an amazing addition to my family’s health and wellness plan!  Now that we are under chiropractic care, I cannot imagine our lives without it!!