Handy Germ Vigilante

I have been known to be a germophobe from time to time (ahem...I may have carried Lysol spray around with me at college...and I may or may not have panic attacks at the mere thought of using a public restroom).  Anywho...I have now learned about toxic products versus healthier alternatives, as well as over-sanitizing and the impact it has on our microbiomes.  I now resist the urge to pump my hands with goop every chance I get, and I am also more choosey about just what that goop is.  I had read more than enough info about common hand sanitizers and how toxic they are (like this article), to know I needed to find some good alternatives.  In the past I have used CleanWell spray and wipes, which I have been happy with (I like that they use Thyme, which is a well-known germ-killer), but sometimes I just feel like I need a heavier hitter.

Over the years I have really come to learn the value and effectiveness of essential oils...and I have quite the collection of them!  Last year we were planning our first family airplane trip since I had become ill, and I decided to make my own batch of "Thieves Oil" to help protect us.  I had read so much about its germ-fighting, immune-boosting powers...it has quite a history and reputation, which you can check out for yourself.

I was so excited to also find this awesome Thieves Oil Hand Purifier by LULU ORGANICS!  We dropped the straight essential oil blend on our collars to breathe in while traveling, and this hand sanitizer kept our hands clean...and we didn't get sick, even during "high-flu-time."  (Keep an eye out for a future post about my "healthy travel" tips!)

LULU ORGANICS Hand Purifier - Don't Leave Home Without It!!!

I also passed these tips on to a fellow "Choir Mommy" while our kids were practicing, because she and her family were heading to Disney this Fall for a much needed "Make-A-Wish" trip.  Due to the fact that her young daughter's immune system is in the process of rebuilding after chemo treatments she was concerned about her getting sick and the implications of that for her and their trip (potential hospitalization, etc.)  She even used Thieves in a mister in their hotel room both while they were out and while they slept!  She was thrilled to report to me last night that their entire family of six all stayed healthy during, and after, the trip!  I was over-the-moon happy to hear it, and it just reinforced my confidence in Thieves-based blends.  I have had many people I know tell me stories of "I woke-up sick this morning, did a steam tent with Thieves, and was well by the afternoon," but this story meant the most to me and really touched my heart...so that's why I share it.

Now I carry LULU ORGANICS Hand Purifier with me everywhere I go!  I get mine from my local natural foods store (cheaper than the online prices, too), but there are other versions such as the one made by Young Living you can look into.  If you have essential oils already (or you are planning to purchase them) you can make your own, which is even better!

I hope these tips will help you and your loved ones stay healthy...not only for the holidays but EVERYday!  XO

What You REALLY Need To Get Through The Holidays

When I first decided to do this "Sharon's Favorite Things" for the 2016 Holiday Season my mind was swirling with ideas.  What made sense to start with?  I settled on the fact that you won't get very far if you aren't feeling well, which made this share easy.  For the last 5-6 years of being quite ill I have gotten extremely hypersensitive and reactive...to the point where most of the vitamins and supplements suggested to me by my doctors did not agree with me and just ended up in my "pill-bottle-graveyard."  That's why I was SO EXCITED to finally find some that worked very well for my "fine-tuned" system this year.

I am using some self-restraint not to get too much in my head for this series of posts.  I don't want to spend a lot of time explaining the geeky/sciencey details...instead just getting to the good stuff!  However, I will say, we all have very different needs, but most of us are vitamin and mineral deficient...even if we eat the most healthy diet, our foods are just not as nutrient dense as they used to be.  Also, some of us have genetic factors that prevent us from actually utilizing what we eat and supplement ourselves with.  For example, for a long time I was getting B-12 in my multivitamin (Centrum - suggested to me by my PCP before I knew better!  Yuck!), but I wasn't utilizing it.  It was basically just building up in my system (my blood levels were between 2,000-3,000), which was causing me anxiety and insomnia, among other things.  Since then I have learned about the ever important "Methylation."  (If you want to read more about methylation I have carefully selected two articles that I think explain it well, without getting into the over-the-top details, from: "To Health With That!" & "Judy Tsafrir, MD"...the second one is really cool, because it looks at methylation - both under and over - and the emotional/mental implications).

Though a healthy diet is first and foremost, a high quality multivitamin is a close second!  Pure Encapsulations is one of my all-time favorite brands, and they really do seem to agree with even the most sensitive of people (like moi).  Their O.N.E. Multivitamin ROCKS!!!  Among tons of other good stuff it has Metafolin (methylated Folate), methylated B-12, and TRAACS molybdenum, which is huge for detoxification!  Multivitamins can be hard to tolerate, so I started with literally a pinch on my breakfast, and very slowly worked my way up to a full cap overtime (I still open it and mix it with my food to help with absorption).  I can't wait to have my homocysteine levels rechecked to see if they have gone down!

POWER DUO!!!  They will keep you going this holiday season...and beyond!

B-Vitamins are extremely important for so many reasons...especially nervous system function and energy levels.  Vitamin B-12 deficiency is the root cause of many ailments (which you can read about if you are interested...just click the link).  It is important to get your levels tested, but just know that a very high level doesn't mean you are all set (remember what I said above...my high level just meant that I wasn't using what I was taking...though doctors mistook that high level as a good thing, it wasn't).  After lots of research I found Global Healing Center's liquid (and it also happens to be Vegan) Methylated B-12.  I love that I can take as little as I want and start slowly...and there are no crazy additives.  I started with 1 drop, first thing in the morning, and worked my way up to around 3-4 drops total.  If I go up too high my body lets me know with insomnia/strange dreams and agitation.  Since I take so little, one bottle lasts me a very long time!  I started taking these drops in June (2016), and I just had my blood drawn to check B-12 last week, so I am excited to see where my levels are at.  I definitely feel better, and that's all that really matters!  I just purchased some other products from Global Healing Center (digestive enzymes, probiotics, oxy-powder, etc. to support digestion), because I really love their quality, and they had some crazy "Cyber Monday" deals - running until 12/4...so get in there!

I am hoping this "favorite things" post will help you feel your absolute best this holiday season, because that is THE BEST GIFT EVER!  May you have energy and peace to spare so you can truly enjoy yourself and be fully present with your loved ones (without relying on coffee or energy drinks)!  XO!

*EXTRA TIP: Take your Multi, and especially the B-12 (and other B-Vitamins), in the morning because they can be stimulating to the system...and we NEVER want to interfere with a good night's sleep!

Find Your Happy Place - From Bliss to "Trouble"...and Back Again

Last week officially earned the title of “Best Week of Our Lives” as a family.  As far back as my son’s memory goes I have been “sick.”  Though it has presented gifts as well, he has missed out on a lot because of it, and one of the things he had never known is the experience of a true family vacation.  For a long time I just wasn’t strong enough or well enough, and then there were all of the new allergies and sensitivities to consider.  What about food?  What about chemicals and environmental triggers?  Could my body handle a flight?  Could I stay in a hotel room?  So many uncertainties, so much doubt, but I held on to the dream that my son would experience Disney World and that I would be there to see it.

About a year and a half ago, at the urging of my health coach, I made a “Vision Board.”  I know that there is a lot of evidence that envisioning yourself well and doing the things you long to do as a fully healthy person can boost healing, but it can feel unrealistic and far away when you can’t even get out of bed.  However, I did it.  I vividly remember placing a picture of Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World on my board and then cutting out a family picture to paste in front of it.  As we stood in front of the castle last week FOR REAL, it was not lost on me that what I had envisioned for myself, and had hoped and dreamed of, actually came true.  I cried many tears of joy and gratitude throughout the week.  I felt like an Olympian who had repeatedly envisioned their best performance winning them the gold, now standing on the podium in victory.

My "Vision Board" from 2014

My first "surreal" glimpse of the castle!

The nitty-gritty truth of it is that eventually I got myself to a point where I just said, “This may be as good as I get…enough with my life being on-hold.”  I took a chance, took a leap…and I started to plan a trip to Walt Disney World in August of 2015.  Between the time of that decision and actually leaving last week there were many ups of excitement and anticipation, as well as downs of doubt and worry about it being a potential disaster.  The result?  BEST.DECISION.EVER!  It was literally the best I have felt in many, many years.  I set myself up for success…talking with the dining department beforehand, and asking the resort to use gentle (low chem) cleaners in our room.  We opted for a room with a full kitchen and made a Whole Foods run as soon as we landed.  We also shipped some necessities to our hotel in advance.  All good ideas if you have health challenges and want to optimize your chances of doing well on a new adventure.  Still, that doesn’t account for everything.  I do all of those things, and more, at home and still feel horrible sometimes.  Add to the equation that I walked countless miles, in mid-80 degree Florida heat.  So what gives?  I truly believe that joy can trump a lot of things.  All of the walking and the natural Vitamin D from the sun probably were big contributors, but the happy change of environment, the fun, and the laughter, all while being with my loved ones, were truly the healing medicines.  I also had people praying for me, which you can’t underestimate the power of, either.  The big message here?!  FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE!

We got home last Thursday night, completely exhausted, but still on a high.  It was the good kind of tired…the result of a life well-lived, the feeling of “I did it” coursing through my body and mind.  Then Sunday morning arrived, and my son had a fever, sore throat, headache, body aches, and threw up.  Not totally surprising after airplane travel, not to mention being on-the-go from 9:00AM to 10:00PM every day of our trip, and add to that some different foods than he usually eats.  It's a lot for an immune system, even a strong one.  Long story short, he spent six LONG days hovering between 101 and 102 temperatures, exhausted and uncomfortable.  Like I always do, I pulled out all of my “holistic healing tricks" and went into full-time “Nurse Mommy” mode, but by day four, with nothing changed, off to the doctor we went.  No strep throat…and no answers beyond that.  It could be “the flu” or some other random virus, and if it wasn’t better by the weekend we should go back to see the doctor.  Something I have really struggled with in life (and especially with my own illness) is wanting answers, wanting to figure everything out and connect the dots to complete the picture, so I can come up with a solution and fix, fix, fix.  Also, seeing my son sick is very triggering for me.  As an empath, it hurts me to my very core.  However, this time, perhaps still carrying the joy and “can do it” attitude from Disney, I did what I could do and let go of the rest.  I was able to take a bit of a leap again.  I seized the opportunity to get more snuggles and play more games (like endless rounds of “Trouble").  I replaced my worry and toil with love and fun.  I even used it as an excuse to try some new products (which I always LOVE to do and is why I started this blog in the first place)!  I treated myself to a luxurious new hand lotion bar due to the fact that I was washing my hands raw (check it out - such a cool company).  Again, I found a small “happy place”...this time in the middle of a less-than-ideal situation.

L to R: My favorite smoothie/almond milk company - Jubali's healing mixes; Wedderspoon Lozenges; My favorite digestive bitters-making company (from my home state of Vermont!) - Urban Moonshine's "Immune Zoom" ; Moon Valley Organics Lotion Bar; Trouble Game :-)

You see, anytime we choose to take a leap, trust the process, let go, or search for the positive, we aren’t guaranteed that it is going to work out the way we want, but it makes the journey more enjoyable and helps us learn to be more and more comfortable with the fact that we are never really in control.  Many things could have gone wrong while I was at Disney, but they didn’t…and I would have stayed in my “safe place” and missed out on absolute bliss.  If I am honest, I have had plenty of reactions and miserable times in my “safe place,” and taking the chance to branch out not only brought me joy while I was there but is still unfolding its healing powers as I carry the message “I can” deep in my being.  I have drawn on those memories and how good life can be many times this week while being stuck inside, getting my son through a tough time.  I feel like we spend a lot of life fighting the current, trying to control every little (and big) thing.  This is exactly what keeps us from building resilience, finding peace, and being at ease in life.  Do what you can, and then let go of the rest.  This is not the same as giving up!  When you take constructive action, trusting your intuition and doing what you know to do, then it is easier to accept the flow of what comes and goes.

Take all of that energy that was used for “controlling” and use it for positive waiting and natural momentum.  I can say with absolute conviction that if you want to find health, happiness, or make some other shift in your life, you must have dreams, aspirations, goals.  You need to be as specific as possible so you can “see” it clearly in your mind, and that also makes it measurable so you are able to know when you have made it a reality.  I am not suggesting you do something major and way out of your comfort zone, because sometimes our restrictions (like special diets, etc.) keep us safe and healing.  You need to do things on your terms, and in your time.  I would not have been ready for this a year ago, so the outcome may not have been so profound then.  Just take note of where there is wiggle-room in your life, and how much of what you are doing (or not doing) is out of fear and stories you have told yourself along the way.  Just like a lighthouse provides a guiding point to head toward in the fog, we need something positive to focus on, up ahead.  Otherwise we can get stuck going ‘round and ‘round in the same circle, without even realizing it.  Sometimes for years.

So here is my “travel guide” for finding your HAPPY PLACE in life (no matter where you are right now):

1. Make a goal/aspiration/“Vision Board” - simply put, list some things that you would like to do and that would bring you joy (look at the list/board - and/or meditate on them- regularly), and update as necessary.  I can't tell you what this would look like, because it is ALL up to you and only you!

2. Change/break your routine (even if that means something as simple as putting your left pant leg on before your right) - Switch it up!  It sends a message to your brain that you CAN change.  For me, after years of compromised mealtimes, due to working around a strict medication/supplement schedule, I am moving back to eating at more reasonable times (with my family), and eating when I am hungry instead of waiting for the “perfect” window.  This = a sense of freedom and flexibility again!

3. Change your environment/visual cues - waking up somewhere other than the same four walls and ceiling that I spent years staring at while sick in bed was wonderful!  I realize that not everyone can take a trip, but you can change the pictures hanging on your walls, rearrange your furniture, paint the walls a different color, organize a messy room, or take your meal out on your patio/lawn…you get the “picture!”

4. Get sunshine on your face - even if it means sticking your head out of a window because you can’t leave your house.  DO IT.  15-30 minutes each day!

5. Move your body - sometimes my attempts at exercise have set me back, but the constant movement while walking around the Disney parks almost felt like an “unwinding” of my body.  The more I moved, the better I felt.  First, my left hip got a little tight and achy, and then it popped and the discomfort moved to my left knee temporarily, and then my knee popped, and I felt better than ever…able to do more and more.  It was like by giving my body the movement it was created for it worked itself out.  Walking, yoga, and dance seem to be the best for me and my needs.  I may never be a runner or “Cross Fit” person, and that’s okay.  Even if all you can do is wiggle your toes or pump your ankles from bed or your chair, start there.  Our bodies crave movement, even if it feels like they don't.

6. Spend time with loved ones - this is pretty straightforward, and there is a ton of scientific evidence stating that positive social ties are the most important piece of a healthy life.  To read more on this topic...The Mystery of The Rosetan People & Is The Internet Killing Us? Let's Create Local Soul Tribes That Heal.

7. Take action & let go of the rest (as explained above) - learning to develop and trust your intuition helps with this one!

8. GRATITUDE - acknowledge all victories, big and small.  Don’t let them slip by!  Take a good amount of time to celebrate and honor them, and then set your sights all over again.

MORE THAN ANYTHING, find something exciting, joy-making, that gets you out of bed (showered, dressed, teeth brushed, hair combed, whatever...) each day.  Realistically I know that can’t be exploring a Disney Park every day, but I am working on building something for myself (in addition to being a wife, mother, etc.) in to my life that makes me really excited to show up and participate in life each day!  Maybe ultimately going back to school?!  Who knows?!  Stay tuned...

"Until next time!"  On to our next HAPPY PLACE!

How about you?!  I want to know!  Keep me posted in the comments section below.

Ax Your Allergies

Allergy season is definitely in full swing!  Everywhere I go I hear people talking about it, and that old, familiar "dust" is coloring everything green.  Years ago I associated seasonal allergies with stuffy/runny nose, red and watery eyes, and scratchy throat, but then I really started to learn about the deeper impact allergens can have on the body.

For me, I have less of the "typical" seasonal allergy symptoms, but my nervous system really seems to take a hit.  I experience an increase in anxiety, nighttime insomnia and daytime lethargy, inflammation that manifests as joint stiffness and muscle tightness/spams, headaches and nerve pain, itchy skin/hives, and even raw and irritated spots on my tongue!  Another interesting thing I have experienced is seasonal food sensitivities.  For example, I find that when ragweed is out I don't tolerate foods from the squash family.  After doing research I learned that squash is part of the ragweed family!  There are a lot of cross-allergens between seasonal pollen and the foods we eat, which makes perfect sense.  You can learn more by looking up "Oral Allergy Syndrome."  The most important thing to know is you are NOT crazy!  Always listen to your body for clues about what does (and does not) make you feel your best.  Everything is connected!

Now for the most important part of my post, WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP YOURSELF!  My personal approach is from a common functional medicine/holistic point of view - to think of my whole system (body and mind) as a bucket.  Once I reach my "limit" of irritants (and my "bucket" overflows) I start reacting to more things and with increasing intensity.  Nothing exists in a vacuum.  If you can pinpoint and remove what is setting you off you will start feeling better and better.  It is like peeling back the layers of an onion, and every little bit helps.

I do not use allergy medication, so here are some super simple, safe, and non-invasive things to try during times of increased allergen/pollen exposure:

1. RINSE: At the end of the day (or whenever I know I am inside for the night) I wash my face and thoroughly rinse my hair to remove all of the pollen my hair/eyelashes/etc. have trapped while out and about.  (When you go to bed with "pollen hair" you are depositing allergens on your pillow only to be breathed in while you sleep.)

2. FLUSH: Along the same lines as above...I use a saline spray to wash out my nasal passages, and I use homeopathic eye drops to clear and cleanse my eyes.  I only use the gentlest products since my irritated system doesn't need anything else to contend with!  Of course you could also use a neti pot, and I am sure they are great, but I have just heard too many stories about brain infection and amoebas!  ;-)  I also gargle with an herbal mouthwash to clear allergens out of the back of my throat (I love this one - Vita-Myr Natural Mouthwash.)

Products I use to flush away allergens!

3. REMOVE: I have a strict "no-shoe policy" at my house for many health reasons (which I plan to blog about in the near future), but shuffling pollen all over the house is one of them.  If you are wearing sandals outside I suggest washing your feet before getting into bed at night, too.  I also remove the clothes I wear outside when I do my "rinsing and flushing" outlined above, and then I put on my "comfy clothes" or pajamas for the afternoon/evening.

4. HYDRATE: Have you noticed a theme yet?  Rinsing, flushing, cooling...hydration is your best friend when it comes to dealing with allergens.  Make sure you are drinking more water than ever this time of year...and then drink some more!  Also, dry post-Winter skin is sensitive, inflamed, and over-reactive.  In addition to hydrating from the outside, make sure you are using a good moisturizer on the outside to lock hydration in.  Try not drying off after your bath/shower and applying your lotion right away to wet skin.  All of this should help prevent allergy rashes/hives.

5.  NOURISH: Diet is also extremely important to keep your immune system at its best in order to manage allergens.  80% of your immune system is in your gut, so gut health is key for allergies!  The #1 item you should consider cutting back on (or dropping) is sugar!  It is an immune-system-saboteur!  Dairy (which is mucous producing) and gluten (inflammatory) are other food categories you might experiment with reducing or eliminating.  Aim to keep your diet on the lighter and "easier to digest" side so your body can focus its energy on proper reaction and repair.  Some ammunition that is particularly helpful when it comes to allergies are - Vitamin C, Quercetin, Magnesium, Omega-3s (like fish oil), Probiotics, Stinging Nettles (herb)...just to name a few heavy hitters.

Excellent tools to nourish the body and build a healthy immune response to allergens!

6. AVOID: I know most of us love the fresh Spring air (especially after a particularly long Winter), but be aware of how much and when you are enjoying it.  If you wish to air out your house, do so first thing in the morning before the heat of the day rises along with the pollen (skip it altogether on particularly windy days).  While you are driving around keep windows closed or cracked instead of wide open, and have your fan on recirculate instead of bringing in the outside air.  If you have pets that go outside, do your best to wipe them down (with a damp towel, wet brush, etc.) when they come in, and try to keep them off furniture - especially your bed!  We also have air filters throughout the house, which help with indoor air quality.

7. BALANCE: I feel like this one deserves a drumroll!  This is the #1 most helpful category when it comes to overall health!  This one I am speaking about from personal experience.  From early on in my healing journey I have known (intellectually) that yoga and meditation have amazing benefits.  However, I only practiced them here and there, and never strictly stuck with them for an extended period of time.  One of my New Year's resolutions for 2015 was to do yoga regularly...and I have been doing it 2-5 times a week ever since!  Then, 8 weeks ago I decided to get back to my meditation practice with complete commitment.  I have spent 20-50 minutes each day resting my mind and nervous system.  The results?!  NO anxiety and very minor allergy symptoms so far this Spring!  I am a believer!  If you take the time to rest, recharge, and reset your system, the benefits will be more far reaching than you can even imagine!  Stress wages a major attack on all systems in your body and increases your chances of allergic reactions, infections, and disease.  Finding a healthy way to manage, and relax, should be your top priority...along with consistently getting a good night's sleep.  Those two go hand-in-hand, and I would argue are way more important than even diet and exercise.  Other helpful alternatives for bringing balance and managing allergies include acupuncture, acupressure, chiropractic adjustments, and essential oils (especially a blend of lavender, peppermint, and lemon - I like it in my bath or added to an oil and rubbed on feet, chest, etc.).

Remember, allergies = heat and inflammation.  For people with pre-existing inflammatory issues, like arthritis, this causes problems beyond just the nuisance of a stuffy or runny nose.  The same goes for nervous system conditions, such as migraines, which typically increase during allergy season.  Think of ways to clear, cool, and calm your body and mind.  Your perception also makes a big difference.  Instead of thinking of your body as the "enemy," or that it is failing you/malfunctioning in some way when it overreacts to allergens, take its symptoms as signs that you need to pay closer attention and bring yourself back into balance.  Your body is your friend!  Think of a baby or toddler who is melting down because they are teething and/or sick and haven't eaten or slept well...would you blame them?  Would you yell at them or punish them?  I would hope not!  You would give them extra loving-kindness, rest, nourishment, and problem-solve to find anything to make them comfortable and help them heal.  Apply the same care to yourself when your body "acts out" with symptoms.  It is doing the best it can at any given time and has a lot to deal with in today's world.  You will be pleasantly surprised to find that small acts of self-care make a big difference in chipping away at your allergies!

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*For more information about the various symptoms seasonal allergies can cause, check out the following interesting articles:

5 Secret Ways Spring Allergies Are Affecting Your Body

Spring Allergies Causing Itchy Skin? 6 Solutions

"Less EMFs" Should Be Your New Year's Resolution

How long has it been since you went somewhere and were not reachable?  I think back to days of hitting the beach, all day, and if someone "needed" me...TOO BAD!  I have to admit that I am glad to be a mother in an age where if my child needs me I can be reached.  I am not sure if I could ever leave my house and relax otherwise!  That being said, when my child is with me my phone is pretty much always on "airplane mode."  People often wonder why they can't get ahold of me (God forbid), and it's because I am just not important enough to be constantly "connected."

One topic that is finally being looked at more closely is the crazy rise of autoimmune dysfunction (and other diseases) in today's world.  I feel there are actually many reasons for it, EMFs (electro magnetic fields) only being one of them.  I believe overexposure to EMFs is an added stress that can lead to breakdown in the body and mind.  We are energetic and magnetic beings (science can explain it much better than I can), and these waves constantly interfering with our cells is not natural.

My approach to any of these topics is to dissect my life and look at where I can improve.  As far as EMF exposure I keep my cell phone off most of the time, our home Wi-Fi is off unless we are using it (and is connected to a timer so it is always off during sleep hours), we don't use a microwave, we don't stand in front of our toaster, washer, dryer, etc. while they are plugged-in/in use, no electronics in bedrooms, and I just recently learned about radiation from hair dryers, so a new low-EMF hair dryer was my Christmas present to myself!  I am definitely not perfect...I still have a Smart Meter I need to look into having removed, and I could always cut back even more on useless computer time.  Let's face it, you can't protect yourself completely, so it is all about decreasing your exposure...especially for the highly susceptible little ones in your life!

My New Low-EMF Hair Dryer - by Farouk (Chi Rocket)

I am not going to get all preachy about how your iPad shouldn't double as a babysitter or how you should throw out your microwave (okay, maybe just a little)...I just HIGHLY ENCOURAGE YOU to educate yourself by checking out the amazing articles I have provided links to below.  Then it is up to you!  Experiment and see if those chronic headaches lessen up or your insomnia improves with some tweaks to your EMF exposure.  I also suggest "tech free meals" -  no cell phones, computers, television...try it and see if your digestion seems happier.  Some items you should be particularly aware of are:
Wi-Fi/Computers
Cordless phones
Cell phones
Televisions
Meters on houses (Smart Meters)
Baby monitors (please don't have them too close to your baby)
Microwaves
Hair dryers
...And did you know that when you have dental/chest x-rays or a mammogram they are supposed to provide a special shield (or have an extra flap to the vest) to protect your thyroid?!  Be sure to ask for it!

Of course the biggest issues are the physical and mental implications of EMF exposure, but let's not forget how technology has also damaged our social interactions.  I encourage you to have get-togethers with friends and family where you make a "leave your phone off" rule so you can give each other your full time and attention.  That is what is most valuable after all!  Here's to a healthier, happier, more grounded New Year!

"8 Easy Ways to Reduce EMF Exposure"

"This Is The Most Important Aspect Of EMF Protection"

"Radiation: What Every Woman Needs to Know"

"10 Reasons Why Handheld Devices Should Be Banned for Children Under the Age of 12"

"THE FAQS ABOUT KIDS AND ELECTRONICS"

"Smart Meter Shielding Tips"

It's Back To Germ Time...I mean "School"

Well, it was bound to happen.  We made it to day 14 of school before the first illness hit!  My son slowly scuffed into my bedroom this morning to declare, "Mommy, my node is tuffed-up."  Change of plans...appointments cancelled, school called, chest rub on, heat pack warmed, couch fluffed, blanket on.  Since picture day is tomorrow "Operation Kill Cold" is in full effect!  First line of defense = no clogging, mucous producing dairy (thankfully gluten and refined sugars have already been ditched from his diet)!  A little bit of fruit for Vitamin C & antioxidants (mostly berries), and a cup of Mountain Rose Herbs "5th Chakra Tea," were first in his system.  Though this tea is targeted toward sore throats (which thankfully my little one doesn't seem to have), it is full of immune-boosting, soothing, hard-hitters: organic Licorice root, organic Marshmallow root, organic Echinacea purpurea root, organic Orange peel, organic Cinnamon bark, organic Ginger root, organic Fennel seed, and organic Cloves.

Next I threw together an immune-boosting smoothie: banana, almond milk, sunflower seed butter, coconut oil, chia seeds, a tiny bit of cocoa powder and honey, and a whole lot of food-based Vitamin C powder - Nature's Way Alive Vitamin C Powder is a must-have.  It is made from organic acerola fruit, organic goji fruit, organic kiwi fruit, organic alma fruit, and organic manioc root...and you can use just as much as you need.  He loved the smoothie, and I felt good about filling him with easily digestible nutrients.  Just what he needs!  Keeping foods light and blended (broken-down) leave the energy that would be used for digestion for germ-fighting instead.  Also, remember to make each thing you can get into ailing kids' mouths count by keeping it nutrient dense.

LtoR: "5th Chakra Tea" by Mountain Rose Herbs, Immune-Boosting Smoothie, Nature's Way Alive! Vitamin C Powder, Eucalyptus Essential Oil, Nourish Organics Chest Rub (Heat Pack in Front)

Essential oils are also part of our line-up, with Eucalyptus taking center stage to clear airways and fight germs.  Put a few drops in a carrier oil (like coconut, olive, jojoba), and rub it on chests and bottoms of feet.  Then I like to heat up a hot-pack (not too hot) and lay it across my son's chest, spine, or feet.  Staying warm is key!  Additional oils you can incorporate are: Frankincense, Lavender, and Oregano...the list is endless, but always check that they are safe for use on children (and test on your skin first to see if they irritate you).  You can also diffuse or steam the oils for inhalation.

For more helpful hints on how to both prevent and speed-up the "yuckies," check out my previous posts:
Eschew The Flu (Shot or Not)
&
Home Remedies (Call Me Crazy)

For those wondering what's on the menu for lunch...gluten-free toast topped with coconut oil, chicken broth with added garlic, scallions, and seaweed (minced or strained out before eating), and mashed winter squash.  All with more tea, of course!

I hope these tips have helped.  May the force be with you this school season!

HEARTy Snack Attack

Hi, Friends!  It's been a while.  I hope Spring and Summer have been warm and kind to you!  I have filed away so many blog topics over the last few months, but I only took the time to sit down and write out complete posts for a few.  Then in my chronic indecisiveness about what my "comeback post" should be I never got around to posting anything!  Ever since the end of August hit I am having nightly dreams about being in college again (I wish!), and I find myself motivated to get back to writing.

Soooooo...in honor of Labor Day I am here to share a company's (and family's) labor of love!

As I was still busy hemming and hawing about what to share with you next, it was decided for me.  I was blissfuly perusing one of my favorite local health stores for new goodies when I hit the jackpot!  As many of you know I have been on an extremely strict diet to manage my health condition...and the hardest need for me to fill is for SNACKS!  It is challenging to live freely when you are constantly worried about being stuck somewhere with nothing you can (safely) eat.  There have been many times I have been out having fun with my son, not paying attention to time, when I start to crash (hypoglycemia kicks in)...and I am stuck.

Back to my happy discovery...I turned a corner in the store and spotted a logo I had never seen before.  My senses perked up at the possibility that it might be something I could eat!  I picked-up the welcoming, beautifully designed bag of "Jackson's Honest Potato Chips" and quickly turned it over.  Three ingredients...YES, 3 ingredients...sweet potatoes, coconut oil, sea salt!  I almost did a backflip!  I got them home and ripped them open...DELICIOUS!!!  It made me teary!  They were rich, buttery, light, indulgent, and satisfying...exactly what is missing in my days!  Since I don't eat white potatoes I had to wait for my husband and son to try the regular "Sea Salt" chips and give me their critique.  "Yummy and great...and healthy!" my son exclaimed with excitement!  My husband takes these things very seriously, and after slowly savoring a few he agreed with our son and added that the salt on the chips is "subtle, but not too subtle...perfect!"

An Awesome Snack Anytime! - L to R Sea Salt Potato Chips & Sea Salt Sweet Potato Chips

"Jackson's Honest" also makes "Salt + Vinegar" and "Mango Chili Lime" flavors with their white organic potatoes, but we have not found those varieties locally yet.  I am most excited about the sweet potato chips, because this is the first time I have been able to find ORGANIC sweet potato chips!  Another unique aspect of these chips is that they are cooked in one of the best oils out there...COCONUT.  Sweet potatoes are excellent sources of nutrition for many reasons, but in particular for their levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin C.  They also help us "eat the rainbow" each day.  Bright colors from whole foods should be an important part of our plan for boosting our health!    Coconut oil has more health benefits that I can even list.  If you are interested in learning more check out an old post from my previous blog here: "The Incredible, Edible...COCONUT!"  Sea salt also helps balance electrolytes and adrenals, among many other things.

Once I fall in love with a product my next step is to head to the company's website to learn more and send them some gratitude!  I have read some pretty amazing "About Us" stories, but this time I was truly blown away.  My heart was so moved by the "Jackson's Honest Potato Chips" story that again the tears were flowing.  I am beyond inspired by this family, their journey, and their mission.  They truly are a gift to the world, and I have so much love for them.  Don't take my word for it, WATCH THEIR STORY for yourself (you will be so glad you did):



Ok, dry your eyes and listen to me...BUY THESE CHIPS!!!  Click here to go to the "Jackson's Honest Chips" website and search under "Store Locations" to find a retailer near you.  If there isn't one, go to your favorite local stores and ask them to carry these products.  I have learned a lot about "ask and you shall receive!"  Or you can just order them online.  At our house we love to make our own chips - sweet potato, beet, rutabaga, etc...but sometimes you just want something you can grab, something that makes life easier!  Also, since we bake our chips (being around hot oils freaks me out a little, and I don't want to clean up after it either!), these chips satisfy my cravings for serious crunch (which you just can't get from baking).  As a health-conscious parent I have such a hard time finding "honestly" healthy snack and lunch items to pack for my precious child.  "Jackson's Honest Potato Chips" are something you can feel GREAT about eating and sharing with loved ones...all while supporting a very special company.  Therefore it does your heart doubly good, and what's better than that?!