Holistic Wellness Archives - Blue Bottle Passion

October 25, 2018 by Sue 1 Comment

Remaining Relevant in Retirement

Everyone’s retirement will look different. How will you make this time of your life count?

If retirement is on the horizon, you may wonder how you will fill your days. If you speak to a retiree, you will probably hear they don’t know how they found time to work. But the biggest fear many have before pulling the trigger on retirement is becoming irrelevant, especially when so much of our identity can be tied to our work. One of the first questions we ask when meeting someone is “what do you do?” Choosing to retire should be carefully thought out.

Retirement can be an amazing time in your life. Finally you have the time and ability to design your life, complete with purpose and meaning. So how do we accomplish that?

Stay connected to family and friends

Now may be the time to get on Facebook, if you haven’t already. Our kids and grandkids don’t communicate the same way we do. Some don’t even get the news the same way. Facebook can open the door to staying connected with your former co-workers, and old friends, even if they move. Join a book club or play bunco with friends. Spend time with your grandkids.

Get physical

Once you’re retired there’s no excuse for not getting exercise. I still invented excuses right up until I got a dog. Get out. Walk the dog. Go to the gym. The best way to feel better and sleep better is to exercise regularly.

Be a life long learner

Nothing is stopping you from learning to play an instrument or how to paint. Read books. Take a cooking, photography or computer class.

Get a job

Now is your chance to get a job at that place you’ve always thought would be fun. Is it a bookstore, fabric store, or maybe the airport? You will have a chance to meet new people, and make a little extra cash. If you want a job with lots of flexibility, check out Direct Sales is the Perfect Retirement Job.

Be a part of something bigger than yourself

What’s important to you? Now you can finally get involved in what interests you. Volunteer at a hospital, get involved in politics, chair an event at your church or help out at a nearby school. Start a blog.

If you aren’t ready to sit back in a rocking chair, you have a lot of options. How do you plan to make the most of the rest of your life?

Join my Facebook community and let’s continue the retirement discussion.

June 22, 2018 by Sue 4 Comments

Is it Time to Deal With Your Old Makeup Cemetery?

How long is too long to keep expired makeup?

I had cataract surgery today, and I have to tell you, cataract surgery is a definite reminder you’re not a kid anymore. But that’s a blog post for another time. My discharge instructions included telling me to throw out all my old eye makeup, and buy fresh.

I don’t mind the idea of buying new eye makeup. I love shopping online, reading reviews. But I have a confession to make, to you, my dear friends. I have hoarding tendencies. I’ve had an empty mascara with an awesome brush on it forever, that works just right to remove the excess clumps another mascara tends to leave. There’s the foundation I bought for a special wedding that was how many years ago? I have makeup that I have replaced with newer makeup, but it wasn’t quite bad enough to throw out, so why not keep it in my travel bag? I haven’t used nail polish regularly for years, but I have a shoebox full of cute little bottles. How about those small bottles of shampoo and conditioner in hotels? I always think I’m going to use them for travel, but I never do. And then there are my Neal’s Yard Remedies products. A little goes a long way, but when a shiny new product comes out that I want to try, I can’t always wait until I use up the old.

When I was telling my sister, Nancy, about this dilemma, she said her friend Ana refers to this as the old makeup graveyard or cemetery. Well this is the push I need to deal with my old, expired makeup cemetery.

How Long Can You Keep Makeup?

Well it depends on the product. Neal’s Yard Remedies labels have information about how long to keep a product once it’s opened. Check out this blog post to better understand Neal’s Yard Remedies labels. Here in the US companies aren’t required to put expiration dates on cosmetics. Guidelines for when to throw vary.

Mascara should be tossed anywhere between 2 and 6 months. Liquid and gel eyeliner from 90 days to 1 year. Foundation lasts from 6-12 months, with pump bottles lasting up to 2 years. Powdered blush and eye shadow can last up to 2 years, and lip sticks and lip liners 1 year. Nail polish lasts about a year.

Keeping it Fresh

Makeup is an investment, and there are a few things you can do to keep it fresh. Wash your hands before applying your makeup. Keep your jars and bottles tightly sealed. Use a spatula for products in jars, rather than sticking your fingers in the product, and wash the spatula in between using. Sharpen the tips on eyeliner and lipliner pencils. Wash your makeup brushes regularly.

Powders and dry products last longer than products with water in them. Finally, be aware of changes in color, textures and smells, and throw anything that seems off, regardless of how long you’ve had it. It’s not worth an eye infection, or worse.

Next Task

My next eye procedure is coming up in a little over a week. I guess I’ll be dealing with the glasses graveyard next, because I’ve kept close to 50 years of them as backups, lol! Anyone need a pair of vintage glasses from the 80s?

Join my Facebook community for fun, information and the latest Neal’s Yard Remedies news!

June 2, 2018 by Sue 2 Comments

A Matter of Life and Death

Once in a while, something happens to get us thinking about life and death and hope. That’s probably a good thing. -Deep thoughts by Sue

I went to a funeral today. A 57 year old neighbor passed away suddenly of a massive heart attack. She was a wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, sister, friend, employee, and so much more.

When someone significantly younger passes away, it opens your eyes. We all live in denial of our own mortality, but the only certainty is we will die. We just don’t know when. None of us is guaranteed tomorrow.

Knowing that, what really is important? Family is at the top of the list. And with family, I can’t help but think about the world I’m leaving my children and grandchildren. A country divided. A planet ruined by trash and pollution. I’d like to think we can somehow change that.

We all want what’s best for our kids and grandkids, we simply have different ideas about achieving that. I do know mean-spirited name-calling and horribly adolescent behavior by celebrities in public forums isn’t helping make this a better country. How can we wonder why bullying in schools is a problem, when the news is full of this kind of behavior? News reporting with obvious bias that encourages division and anger isn’t helping. I believe deep down most people are good, and are capable of working with, and dare I say, liking people who disagree with them politically. Hate for the opposite party isn’t serving anyone.

At the end of the day (or your life) it’s people and relationships that matter. Make your peace with that family member that you’re experiencing tension with. Forgive who needs forgiving, and ask for forgiveness if appropriate. Go to church and pray, really pray. There’s power in prayer, and because of that, I have hope for the future and the world we leave our children.

If you knew you had only days left to live, what would you do? What would be important? Think about it. It’s a matter of life and death and hope.

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February 12, 2018 by Sue 1 Comment

5 Tips to Avoid the Flu

We’ve all heard the news about this year’s flu. Hospitals are seeing more people sick with the flu than in ten years. We are advised if we haven’t gotten the flu vaccine, there is still plenty of time for it (even though it’s maybe 10% effective), and wash your hands. Is that really all we can do to avoid the flu?

How about supporting our immune system? Isn’t that our first defense against illness?

Stay Hydrated

Hydrating your body is one of the best and easiest places to start. Heating systems dry out the air in our homes, schools and work places. Dare I say dried out mucous membranes won’t be as effective as your first defense against illness, so drink enough water. Occasional diffusing with essential oils can both add moisture to the air in your home, as well as help cleanse it.

Keep Skin Healthy and Moisturized

Your skin is your largest organ, and another basic defense in keeping illness away. All that hand washing can dry your skin to the point of it being chapped and even getting those miserable little splits on the fingertips. Besides drinking enough water, be diligent about applying hand and body cream. Melissa Hand Cream nourishes, protects and conditions better than any hand cream I’ve tried.

About Your Hands

Speaking of hand washing, another frequent recommendation is hand sanitizer. Unfortunately hand sanitizers can contain chemicals and fragrances that could harm your health. It doesn’t makes sense to choose a product with nasty ingredients that can make you sick to keep yourself well. Choose a healthy option like Organic Defence Hand Spray, that is gentle yet effective, and safe for the entire family.

Diet

If you aren’t already eating a clean, whole and where ever possible organic food diet, now is the time to start. A healthy gut is a great place to start supporting your immune system, and Organic Fiber Blend may help. There may not be tons of data supporting the benefits of supplements, but I believe in extra Vitamin C, and Vitamin D3. Elderberry has been used in folk medicine for hundreds of years. When it comes to supporting the immune system, these berries are a nutritious powerhouse containing antioxidants, Vitamins A, B and C as well as amino acids. You can find it in syrup, lozenge or capsule form in the health food section.

Exercise and Sleep

Finally, exercise contributes to general good health, and who knows – a good work out could flush bacteria and viruses out of your system. Your body does much of it’s repair work while you are sleeping, so make sure you are getting enough. Good Night Pillow Mist can support a sense of calm and relaxation to aid in a restful night.

Unfortunately there is no guaranteed way of avoiding the flu. I believe the more you do to keep yourself as healthy as possible the more likely you are to avoid the flu.

This post is not intended to be medical advice. Check with your medical practitioner before taking any new supplements if you are currently on prescription medications to avoid unwanted interaction. If you are ill, seek the care of a qualified medical practitioner.

What steps are you taking to stay healthy and avoid the flu? Continue the discussion on Facebook.

December 9, 2017 by Sue 4 Comments

Life is Better With a Dog

After ten years without a dog, I suddenly found myself wanting, no make that needing a dog. It happened out of the blue, really. I was minding my own business, checking out the latest photos on Instagram, when I was blindsided by some adorable pictures of Basset Hounds. Each day I looked forward to seeing these cute photos, and even searched #bassethounds to follow more. I commented to the owner of a Basset Hound, that her dog photos were enough to make me want one of my own.

I thought about how our lives might be better with a dog. After our last dog passed, we felt too busy for a dog. The kids had moved on, and it was nice not being tied down by a dog. Then I realized at our age we really are home a lot, now. Denny offices out of the house. I’m a real home body. A dog’s unconditional love would certainly enhance our lives, right? We would get more exercise walking the dog and enjoy watching TV with the dog by our side.

My friends had mixed reactions to my plan of getting a dog. Those without dogs thought I was crazy, and those with dogs thought the idea was brilliant.

I dreaded telling Denny. Our dog experiences were not always the best. The first was the worst. We were newlyweds. Someone outside of the grocery store where Denny worked had a box full of puppies they were giving away. He knew I loved dogs, so he brought one home for me. We had an unfinished basement, so while we were at work, the dog had the run of it. The entire basement. Every day when Denny got home (he got home first, thank goodness!) there were piles all over the basement. Who knew a small puppy could create so many large piles? And we couldn’t figure out why we couldn’t house train this poor dog. After many piles in the basement, we decided this puppy needed someone home during the day. But God bless him, he was supportive of getting another dog.

There were other dogs after that first one. And we did learn more about training. I was home more with the kids. Some dogs worked out better than others. I have many fond memories of some really great ones. In the past, our dogs were for the kids, and we didn’t really think about whether a specific breed would fit in well with our lifestyle. This time was different. I really wanted the dog for me.

I did some breed research. There is a lot on information online about what breeds are best for older people. I bought a book about the Basset Hound breed. We applied to the Minnesota Basset Hound Rescue, and were approved. I assumed we would end up with an adult dog. Then we waited.

I was sure we would get a dog around the holidays. Because who doesn’t want a new dog to train in the middle of Thanksgiving and Christmas? I came across a pet adoption and sale group on Facebook with a post about Basset Hound puppies for sale about three hours from us. Messaging the breeder, I found she had 2 females left. I contacted the Basset Rescue to see if any dogs were likely to be available, and there just weren’t any guarantees, so we drove out to see the puppies.

If you ever saw or held a Basset Hound puppy, you can probably guess the only decision we had was to take one or both. Denny said one would definitely be enough. Rosie was the smaller of the two puppies, and she had pretty white markings around her neck. She seemed to enjoy cuddling and being held, so she was ours.

Life With Rosie

It has pretty much been chaos these first couple of weeks. Good thing we only took the one! The dog training books talk about taking your puppy out every hour. It’s more like every 20-30 minutes or there’s a puddle. At times I didn’t know if I was coming or going. How do people housebreak puppies that are at work all day?

Now after 3 weeks, we are settling into a bit of a routine. Rosie is so much fun. She’s getting me moving more, that’s for sure. I’m not on my hands and knees mopping up puddles quite as much, but I am going in and out of the house a lot. There is something about the joyful tail wagging when you come home that makes you feel so good, like you are the most important person in the world. I think she’s going to be a wonderful addition to our family.

Would you consider getting a puppy in retirement? How do you feel about vaccinations and what to feed your dog? Continue the discussion and stay informed about all the Neal’s Yard Remedies news and sales on Facebook.

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November 21, 2017 by Sue 2 Comments

A Neal’s Yard Remedies Holiday Survival Guide

The holidays can be a stressful time. They are supposed to be filled with fun, family and feasting, but it doesn’t always happen that way, and that makes it even more stressful. Too many commitments, family dynamics, a budget stretched to the max and I could go on.

Take a deep breath, and make some time to prioritize. Exercise, sleep and diet are more important than ever at this time of year. Utilize some shortcuts. You can get a pumpkin pie from Costco instead of baking one from scratch. Maybe you don’t need to make dozens of Christmas cookies this year. If a picture is worth a thousand words, why not send photo holiday cards and forget about writing notes in each one?

The ABCs of holiday survival can help you not only survive the holidays, but thrive during the holidays!

A is for Aromatherapy

Remedies to Roll are your new BFFs during the holidays. Energy for finishing up the tree decorating and Relaxation for winding down. Study will come in handy for addressing those Christmas cards.

B is for Beauty Sleep

With all the shopping, work parties, kid’s Christmas programs, and decorating, you need the best night’s sleep possible, and what could be better than waking up to more beautiful skin with Beauty Sleep Concentrate? The restful aroma will ease you to sleep, while the serum supports your skin’s night time rejuvenation. Spritz a little Goodnight Pillow Mist on you pillow, and you are bound to sleep better.

C is for Cocoa & Cleanse

Caring for your inner health with superfood that are nutritionally dense with super-nutrients makes sense at this time of year, when meals can be on the run, and not always the healthiest. Fix yourself an Organic Cocoa Blend Rebalance instead of stopping at Starbucks for a sugar laden mocha. This comforting blend of mood enhancing cocoa and blueberry contains B vitamins and adaptogens – rhodiola, shiitake mushrooms, mama and ashwagandha to help you cope with stress and strain.

Organic Fiber Blend Cleanse contains psyllium husk and Bacillus coagulans to help maintain healthy gut function.

Remember, by taking care of yourself, you are taking care of your family and loved ones. And done is better than perfect, any day!

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October 24, 2017 by Sue 2 Comments

Confessions of a Weight Loss Diet Junkie

You wouldn’t know it to look at me, but I’m a weight loss diet expert. Not what works, just on dieting. Over the years I’ve struggled rather unsuccessfully to maintain a healthy weight. I’ve tried fad diets, Weight Watchers, Medifast/Take Shape for Life, Slimfast, supplements, soup diets, grapefruit diets, meal replacement shakes, the Whole30. You get the picture.

Most of them work for a while, but none of them are sustainable over the long haul. I don’t want to live on shakes as meal replacements or expensive packaged food for the rest of my life. So far, when I’ve reached my goal, or stopped the diet, the weight comes creeping back on.

I’ve read about calories in, energy out, etc. I drank Diet Coke, to avoid the sugar. I ate the Lean Cuisines, the low fat this, and sugar-free that. I beat myself up for having no will power. The conclusion I’ve come to is shouldn’t we have a better handle on the obesity epidemic in our country by now?

Ketogenic Diet + Supplements

I pretty much decided at my age I was done with the guilt and trying yet another weight loss plan. Then I came across the ketogenic diet and ketone supplements, and decided this was worth researching. You’ll find plenty of information about keto diets online.

I started by weighing myself. No shocker there. If I keep going the direction I’m heading, none of my clothes will fit by the time the holidays are over. I started with a glass of water, and my ketone supplement. I’m waiting until about 10 am to have breakfast. (eggs and sausage today) I intend to stop eating between 8 pm and 10 am.

I’ll gradually increase my activity. We plan to get another dog, so we are waiting to hear when a Basset Hound is available from the rescue. Isn’t it odd I’ll take a dog for a walk because it’s good for it, but not walk for my own health?

So you all are my accountability partners. I’m committed to my plan, and intend to take a very short break for Thanksgiving. Wish me luck!

Have you tried a ketogenic diet with ketone supplements? How has it worked for you? I would love to hear your comments, and continue the discussion on Facebook.

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July 7, 2017 by Sue Leave a Comment

Three Simple Holistic Remedies for Reducing Stress

Many people are exploring natural and holistic remedies for their health before turning to prescription and over the counter drugs and traditional medicine. Today’s life-style has created stress at an all time high. Here are three holistic approaches to stress and common conditions.

Reiki

The healing art of Reiki is an energy-based, non-invasive treatment that restores and balances the human energy field. Reiki can reduce stress, decrease pain and promote healing. If you do an internet search of Reiki, you will find many anecdotal stories of healing, some of them miraculous sounding.

Yesterday I had my first Reiki treatment. My goal was stress-reduction. As my treatment began, I attempted to relax by saying a prayer and closing my eyes. I kind of lost my sense of time, and continued with my eyes closed, feeling calm, however after a bit I felt self-conscious as my stomach began making noises. I opened my eyes and kind of giggled nervously, but was re-assured that often happens as the body releases negative energy. My Reiki practitioner then went on to tell me the Blessed Virgin was present, which was unusual in her experience, as well as my father, who passed away over 4 years ago. I immediately felt extremely emotional, and explained I had said several Hail Marys as we began. It was not a sad emotion, but a surprisingly strong emotional reaction and my tears were flowing. The treatment continued, and my mind wandered a bit. I continued feeling quite emotional, and felt the presence of another loved one that had passed away nearly 40 years ago.

The treatment lasted about 30 minutes, leaving me feeling both lighter and a bit drained. Most often the outcome is a lighter feeling, or a balancing, but each person’s experience is unique. Learn more about Reiki in A Modern Reiki Method for Healing.

Aromatherapy

I saw a T-shirt with a bloody bullet hole picture and the phrase “Don’t worry, my wife has an oil for this.” Essential oils probably won’t work for bullet wounds, but they are definitely worth trying for other conditions. Essential oils can provide support for clearing nasal passages, relaxation, skin conditions, aches and pains. This summer I’ve been using a blend for allergy support, and so far haven’t felt the need for over the counter pills.

For stress reduction and relaxation both diffusing and massage are beneficial. 2-4 drops of NEROLI in a diffuser is a great essential oil to start with. Read more about neroli and some great relaxing blends you can make with essential oils in Neal’s Yard Remedies Essential Oils Book.

Essential oils are powerful, and even though they come from nature, they need to be used with caution, especially around children, pregnant women and pets. Consult with a certified aromatherapist for more information.

Tapping

Tapping is relatively new, compared to some of the other remedies, but the concepts it’s based on are thousands of years old. The action calms the nervous system and restores the balance of energy in the body, and in turn rewires the brain to respond in a healthier manner. It can be beneficial for emotional trauma, chronic physical pain, compulsions and addictions. It lowers cortisol levels and changes beliefs, enabling our brain to change how it handles stress. Learn more about tapping in The Tapping Solution: A Revolutionary System for Stress-Free Living.

Finally, none of these holistic remedies is meant to be a substitute for health care from a licensed practitioner, however using natural methods to reduce stress can be of benefit to your overall health and wellbeing.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

What natural and holistic remedies have you tried, or are thinking of trying? Comment below, or continue the conversation on FACEBOOK.

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June 20, 2017 by Sue Leave a Comment

5 Plant-Based Beauty Supplements from Neal’s Yard Remedies

Beautiful skin, hair and nails begins internally with a clean, healthy diet and the right plant-based beauty supplements. Nutrition is every bit as important for a beautiful complexion as effective, organic skincare. When I think of the impact nutrition has on the complexion, I think of when my kids were in college. Some of their friends had terribly dull, unhealthy complexions from living on junk and fast food.

The world of nutrition supplements is basically unregulated, and all supplements are not created equal. The FDA is not legally responsible for the safety of dietary supplements; the manufacturers are. The FDA only investigates reported problems or safety issues. Dietary supplements are considered safe until proven otherwise.

The most important thing to look for is how the supplement is made. Synthetic vitamins are made from industrial chemicals, while plant-based vitamins are extracted from fruits, vegetables, herbs, fungi, and other natural sources, and they retain the chemical structure and chemical diversity of vitamins and phytonutrients found in nature. Most “natural” vitamin supplements you find on the drugstore shelves are so extensively modified and purified they are essentially the same as synthetic vitamin supplements. Plant-based sources of nutrients are superior to synthetic or petrochemical supplements because our bodies weren’t designed to handle large doses of single nutrients. Nutrients from whole plant sources are the more natural way to nourish the body. Capsules are preferable to tablets, as they dissolve faster and don’t contain binders. Avoid GMOs, as not enough is known about how they impact our health.

Here are five of my favorite plant-based beauty supplements from Neal’s Yard Remedies:

Frankincense Intense Beauty Boost

Frankincense Intense Beauty Boost promotes skin, hair and nail health. Horsetail is a great source of silica for healthy skin and antioxidants protect skin from the inside out. Biotin and zinc help maintain healthy skin. Selenium and zinc promote healthy hair and nails. Copper contributes to normal skin pigmentation. Normal collagen production is helped by vitamin C.

Super Antioxidant Boost

Neal’s Yard Remedies Super Antioxidant Boost helps to maintain your health with a synergistic complex of plant based antioxidants. Grape seed extract contains resveratrol for vibrant skin. Turmeric contains curcumin which is traditionally used to brighten the complexion. Olive leaf contain elenolic acid, an incredible antioxidant to support overall health. Finally, pine bark extract contains proanthocyanidins which helps maintain skin’s bounce and glow.

Organic Greens Complex

For general health and well-being and healthy skin, Organic Greens Complex is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, antioxidants, chlorophyll & phytonutrients. It’s dairy and gluten free and non-GM. Chlorophyll cleanses and purifies the body from the inside out. Organic spirulina powder is a good vegetarian protein source that may help to maintain a healthy weight and keep energy levels constant. Green tea powder extract promotes the breakdown of fats. Acerola cherry powder extract is an excellent source of vitamin C for radiance.

Organic Berry Complex

Organic Berry Complex is rich in vitamin C to help boost your skin’s radiance and collagen production, and contains Apple Powder, Blueberry Powder, Blackcurrant Powder, Acerola Cherry Extract Powder, Açaí Powder, Green Bell Pepper Powder, Pomegranate Juice Powder, Chia Seeds, Goji Berry Extract Powder.

Vitamin C Boost with Wild Rosehip

Besides supporting the immune system, Vitamin C Boost with Wild Rosehip supports normal collagen formation, boosts skin radiance & repair to connective tissue, as well as being a potent antioxidant.

The Neal’s Yard Remedies tree logo shows the roots are vital for its health and should be in perfect balance. In the same way, health and beauty is more than applying a cream or serum to the skin and begins with our diet. It would be ideal to obtain everything needed for optimal health from a varied diet including fresh fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately most of us aren’t getting all the vitamins and nutrients we need that way. By choosing plant-based supplements you are giving your body the nutrients it needs for the greatest health benefits and beauty that shines from within!

Update July 17, 2018. Unfortunately since this post was written, several of the above mentioned supplements aren’t currently available. For current availability, check my website.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

I would love to hear your thoughts on beauty supplements. Feel free to comment below or continue the discussion on FACEBOOK.

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June 13, 2017 by Sue Leave a Comment

5 Simple Tips for Reducing Your Family’s Toxic Load

Let’s face it. We live in a toxic soup. Our bodies are exposed to a toxic load they were never meant to handle. Newborn babies are born everyday with 287 known toxins in their umbilical cord blood. It’s simply overwhelming. So, do we throw our hands in the air and say what’s the difference; we’re all going to die of cancer anyway? Nope. We do the best we can.

1. Food and Water

This one is pretty obvious. The cleaner the food we put in our bodies, the less toxins we end up ingesting. So. Buy. Organic. Organic fruits, organic veggies, organic dairy, organic meat. Stay away from farmed salmon and other fish. Drink green tea and avoid diet soft drinks like the plague. Yes, you will pay more for your food, but rather than question why organic is so expensive, you might want to question how they can sell regular eggs for 59¢ a dozen. Buying organic helps you avoid the most toxic pesticides and herbicides and GMOs.

Choose organic fruits and veggies high in antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals. Supplement your diet with Organic Fiber Blend – Cleanse and Super Antioxidant Boost. Become a regular at your local farmer’s market, or better yet, grow some of your own veggies and fruit.

Filter your water. Fluoride and chlorine are in most municipal water systems and are known toxins. It can’t be good for tiny babies to be ingesting unknown quantities of toxins. Get the best filter you can, and use a stainless steel or non-BPA reusable water bottle.

2. Personal Care Products

What you apply to your body, ends up in your bloodstream. It only makes sense to use the safest products possible, especially on your children. It’s especially important to find the safest products for babies and pregnant women. Sunscreens, because of the large areas of skin involved are of particular concern. Avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone and nano-particles. Stay away from anti-bacterial soap and chemical hand sanitizers, and consider an essential oil-based alternative. Choose aluminum-free deodorants. Don’t forget about your face and lips.

3. Air in Your Home

The air in your home can be worse than the air outside. Use a quality air filter on your furnace and air conditioner and change it often. House plants can improve air quality. Avoid air fresheners with synthetic fragrance and candles with lead wicks. Fragrance your home with quality essential oils and a diffuser, but use caution around small children and pregnant women.

4. Food Preparation and Storage

Reduce the use of plastics when it comes to storing your food. Food can be stored in glass canning jars and Pyrex type containers. Switch out your non-stick cookware for iron and steel pans. An iron dutch oven makes the best pot roast and stew! Have you tried the Instant Pot?

5. Reducing Your Toxic Load In the Home

One of the easiest things you can do, is take off your shoes indoors. Use vinegar and baking soda and Norwex cloths for cleaning whenever you can. Vacuum with a good filter. Not enough is known about the effects of electromagnetic fields, so turning off your wifi at night seems prudent. Get the kids out in the fresh air and limit their exposure to electronic devices. Exercise.

Experts have no clue what the combination of all these toxins have on the human body. All we can do is avoid as much as we can, and not feel guilty when we grab the fast food on a busy day, or when the budget doesn’t stretch far enough to buy the organic meats and veggies.

What are you doing to reduce your family’s toxic load? Feel free to comment your suggestions below, or continue the conversation over on Facebook.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees to offset the expense of this blog by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.

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Stay connected to family and friends

Get physical

Be a life long learner

Get a job

Be a part of something bigger than yourself

How Long Can You Keep Makeup?

Keeping it Fresh

Next Task

Stay Hydrated

Keep Skin Healthy and Moisturized

About Your Hands

Diet

Exercise and Sleep

Life With Rosie

A is for Aromatherapy

B is for Beauty Sleep

C is for Cocoa & Cleanse

Ketogenic Diet + Supplements

Reiki

Aromatherapy

Tapping

Frankincense Intense Beauty Boost

Super Antioxidant Boost

Organic Greens Complex

Organic Berry Complex

Vitamin C Boost with Wild Rosehip

1. Food and Water

2. Personal Care Products

3. Air in Your Home

4. Food Preparation and Storage

5. Reducing Your Toxic Load In the Home

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