Lately I've been in a rut.
Going through the motions of the day on repeat.
Blah.
Usually, I really enjoy writing at the end of the day, but noooot when I'm feeling exhausted and my brain is numb (and not comfortably so.) I've been writing a semi-fictional story and have been attempting to include realistic, human-type of dialogue, yet I'm coming up with gems like:
"Hello boyfriend. It's me, girlfriend. We like each other, but I'm going to be your character foil. Maybe it's not so bad. We both like nachos."
Since I can't stand it when I'm in his settled, mundane routine I've been implementing some healthier habits into my life again. It can be really hard to go from thinking about the thing to actually doing the thing. Yes? One big change I've been desperate to incorporate for a loooooooong time is having healthier breakfasts. I'm going to do a separate post for that because I've learned a lot about what I've been doing wrong when it comes to smoothies for breakfast and other quick, easy breakfasts I've been enjoying which give me WAY more energy during the mornings and keep me full until lunch.
When I'm feeling bored and, honestly, pretty drained with life, I know it's time for some switches. And there are some things I knew I could instantly change, such as the breakfast thing. It doesn't need to take a lot of consideration. Momentum is momentum and when you gain momentum in any aspect of life, it fuels you to keep that momentum going. Not necessarily a striving or huge effort going on, just not getting complacent.
Thus... I pulled out my trusted journal and scribbled for a bit about some products I own or have owned and loved, but have sadly neglected for a while. For the last two months, I've dusted off these products and have used them again in my self-care/health routine and I'm prettttty happy about it. A love affair rekindled... or not... but still cool. I just wanted to share the love. Here are some of my favorite things, beyond the raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.
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Okay, if you have ever cooked with fresh rosemary, you know the fabulousness of that scent. It's in the peppermint family so it's fresh, earthy, and invigorating.
Some studies have shown that it has memory-boosting benefits and can lessen anxiety. Beyond the scent and the potentially positive impact on our mood, here's how I personally incorporate rosemary in my self care/beauty routine:
I use a rosemary hair rinse a couple of times a month. I alternate it with my apple cider vinegar rinse (which I will talk about in a minute) or my rosewater rinse. The rosemary I particularly like because of the ahhhmazing scent. It smells so good and will leaving your bathroom smelling incredibly fresh and clean.
So this requires fresh rosemary. I start by rinsing the rosemary, then simmer it on the stovetop for about 10 minutes. I strain it and put it in a container to take with me to the shower. I let it cool to a comfortable temperature before dumping it on my head (I mean... that's my preference, but to each his/her own). I just pour mine into a liquid measuring cup with a spout, like this:
Himalayan salt lamp
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These beauties add an instant spa-like feel to any room they're in. The soft glow has a very calming effect.
If you want to know more about the benefits, I found this page to be helpful. Here's what I know: I feel calm when I look at it before going to bed. It lulls me to sleep. I don't believe there's scentific proof that the salt lamps emit negatively charged ions, but IF they do that can contribute to a better night's sleep, less anxiety, and lessen the effects of seasonal affective disorder. I just know that I like the way it feels and I personally find them relaxing before bed and during meditation.
Apple Cider Vinegar
***Side note: "carefully" is emphasized for a reason. And, yes, it really, really, really super hurts when it gets in your eyes.
Since ACV is so MULTIFUNCTIONAL, I can't leave out the nutritional benefits. Seriously. It's full of so many enzymes and healthy bacteria... I try to ingest it every day now. It's important to have a high quality brand, like the BRAGG'S version I have pictured above. Let's be honest... I don't drink it for the taste, so if you try it and say, "heyyyy... I feel like I was duped into drinking this hideous thing and it's not so tasty after all, I bet she's having a big laugh about it," nooo. We're not drinking it for the taste, but it really isn't so bad when it's diluted. On a good day, when I get up in the morning, I'll go down into my kitchen and fill a tall glass with room temperature (or warm) water and add about a tablespoon or two (if I'm feeling brave) with ACV, and the juice of half a lemon. I could add a little honey, but I don't feel like I need extra sweetness since I have the lemon. Instead, I just add a dash of turmeric and stir it together. And some mornings I stumble around, trying to understand how clothes work and if yoga pants can suffice as real pants. Not only am I not aware of what apple cider vinegar is, I'm also confused as to the day of the week and unclear on my own name... truth.
You get used to it. Really. It gets your metabolism going right away for the day and hydrates you.
Last few things (promise):
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| Image from https://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Apple-Cider-Vinegar-Tonic.jpg |
Looove using an apple cider vinegar
rinse on my hair. It clarifies your hair and leaves it so soft and
shiny. I always feel like I have "a good hair day" on the days
I use it. I just fill a glass with a couple of tablespoons of the ACV,
then I add water to the rest of the glass. I have longer hair right now,
so after I've shampooed and conditioned my hair, I'll usually dunk the ends of
my hair directly into the glass and then I'll carefully empty the rest
of the liquid on my hair. It will help with dandruff as well if you have
any issues with that.
***Side note: "carefully" is emphasized for a reason. And, yes, it really, really, really super hurts when it gets in your eyes.
***Other side note: it
may seem like the vinegar would make your hair smell, but it really doesn't, maybe
the apple cider part of that helps.
Since ACV is so MULTIFUNCTIONAL, I can't leave out the nutritional benefits. Seriously. It's full of so many enzymes and healthy bacteria... I try to ingest it every day now. It's important to have a high quality brand, like the BRAGG'S version I have pictured above. Let's be honest... I don't drink it for the taste, so if you try it and say, "heyyyy... I feel like I was duped into drinking this hideous thing and it's not so tasty after all, I bet she's having a big laugh about it," nooo. We're not drinking it for the taste, but it really isn't so bad when it's diluted. On a good day, when I get up in the morning, I'll go down into my kitchen and fill a tall glass with room temperature (or warm) water and add about a tablespoon or two (if I'm feeling brave) with ACV, and the juice of half a lemon. I could add a little honey, but I don't feel like I need extra sweetness since I have the lemon. Instead, I just add a dash of turmeric and stir it together. And some mornings I stumble around, trying to understand how clothes work and if yoga pants can suffice as real pants. Not only am I not aware of what apple cider vinegar is, I'm also confused as to the day of the week and unclear on my own name... truth.
You get used to it. Really. It gets your metabolism going right away for the day and hydrates you.
Last few things (promise):
- Helps your body become more ph balanced. Most of us tend to be more acidic, but this brings the body to a more alkaline state.
- Helps lower blood pressure.
- Is good for the digestive system--helps ease heartburn, bloating, gas
- Helps detoxify the body, specifically the toxins built up in the liver
- Can increase the "good" cholesterol in our bodies
Eggs organic and Pasture raised
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Do you remember all the controversy with eggs? One month they were little shell-wrapped beacons of death and the next month they were praised for their health benefits. Hmmm. It was weird. They're actually very beneficial to our bodies--full of good protein, vitamins, and minerals.
But all eggs should NOT be considered equal.
DUN DUN!
More controversy.
Quick rundown--at the market you'll pretty much see: conventional, organic, and/or pastured eggs. You don't want conventional. Really. They're the bottom of the barrel. Even if I didn't care about my own health or my son's, I still couldn't support the companies that sell these eggs. It's just not right. These are the eggs that may contain hormones and antibiotics with the chickens being fed grain-type "food." The eggs come from hens in overfilled cages in factories. Often trampling on each other with no room to move--most likely never seeing the light of day. It's just cruel. Even if the container says "cage-free" but doesn't specify that it's any of the other categories I listed above, that's just clever marketing because they may not be in cages, but are in overstuffed hen houses, which is incredibly unsanitary, hence the reason they're fed antibiotics, which YOU get to now consume.
Quick rundown--at the market you'll pretty much see: conventional, organic, and/or pastured eggs. You don't want conventional. Really. They're the bottom of the barrel. Even if I didn't care about my own health or my son's, I still couldn't support the companies that sell these eggs. It's just not right. These are the eggs that may contain hormones and antibiotics with the chickens being fed grain-type "food." The eggs come from hens in overfilled cages in factories. Often trampling on each other with no room to move--most likely never seeing the light of day. It's just cruel. Even if the container says "cage-free" but doesn't specify that it's any of the other categories I listed above, that's just clever marketing because they may not be in cages, but are in overstuffed hen houses, which is incredibly unsanitary, hence the reason they're fed antibiotics, which YOU get to now consume.
Sadly, I always thought organic eggs would be the best bet, but through my research and education over the years, I think pastured is the best bet. I love that the eggs I've found and included the link above for, are organic and pastured. Organic means the eggs are antibiotic and hormone free, which is really great, but it still doesn't mean the hens are allowed outside.
Pastured eggs contain more nutrients and the hens have a more natural diet and get to enjoy the sun and the grass, the way nature intended. There's also a noticeable difference in the look of the yolk itself. Pastured egg yolk is a deeper yellow-orange color and a more full yolk. Conventional egg yolk is a little smaller and a more watered-down yellow shade.
I bought the eggs pictured above from my local Target. However, I couldn't find a link for it. I've seen them at various grocery stores, but you can also check for similar eggs from a farmer's market or go to www.eatwild.com to find something near you.
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I always have my
Klean Kanteen with me. I take it everywhere. I originally bought
mine about four years ago and I've used it on a daily basis, sooo it's pretty
hardy. I've dropped it se-ver-al times. Many, many, many
times. I drop it more than I hold it... kinda clumsy. I love that
it's lasted so long.
I was drawn to this particular brand due to the fact that they put so much conscious consideration into the health and environmental impact of their products. They're made from stainless steel, rather than plastic or aluminum, so it's completely free of toxins.
I avoid drinking from
plastic bottles when possible. I don’t
trust the water source and the plastic itself isn’t healthy. Pepsi’s even admitted that some popular water
bottle brands are just using tap water.
Watch the documentary Tapped
if you want to know more about tap water.
A lot of those plastic bottles contain BPA and phylate—both of which
have been linked to a variety of health disorders, including cancer. When I was pregnant, I got in the habit of
buying everything BPA-free. It’s just
something I naturally look for now.
Plus, the bottling plants and environmental impact is concerning as
well. I just try to watch how I consume
things in general and want to make healthy choices, so that’s where that
recommendation comes from.
Chamomile and Lavender Tea
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| Image fromhttps://thelittleshamanhealing.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/chamomile-and-lavender-tea.jpg |
Dat tea tho...
This is such a beautiful tea to have before bed. Having a soothing cup of tea like this each night before bed has become a ritual I look forward to. It calms the digestive and nervous system down and it's very calming for the mind, body, spirit. The flavors compliment each other well. It's lovely.
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| Image from https://karalehmannbeautyexpert.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/16838048_10154960418214705_315664593_n.jpg?w=760 |
This is a rare natural deodorant in that... it works. Of course, deodorant reacts differently depending on your individual body chemistry. For me, this deodorant works really well as a deodorizer and, although, it's not an antiperspirant, it keeps me dry and fresh. Plus, the scent is truly great. Lavender and sage are a pretty sweet combo of calm and herby. That may not make sense... let's just say I like the combo! I much prefer it to some of the overly-scented, highly concentrated fragrances in traditional deodorant. The most important thing for me is that it doesn't contain the aluminum or parabens a lot of non-natural deodorants do.
Also, although this scent really works for me, I also really liked the first one I tried which was Bergamot and Lime. It's really bright and citrusy, so it's very nice for spring and summer. I've also noticed they have a Cedarwood and Juniper scent, which seems like it would be nice for men.
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| Image from https://stampington.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/20150812_Natalie_RoseWaterSpray_014-1024x678.jpg |
For use as a hair rinse just pour a couple of tablespoons into a glass and fill the rest of the glass with water. Then I slowly pour it over my hair after shampooing and conditioning it. ERMAHGERD,the smell! I love the smell and getting that aromatherapeutic bonus! The happy, lovely scent is the gift that keeps on giving as you get whiffs of your own hair throughout the day. The other benefits are that I feel it creates a beautiful shine and helps calm my hair when it's a little frizzy because it adds in some moisture. If I don't have time to do a rinse, I also have a little spray bottle with rose water in it to spray on my hair and just comb it through with my fingers for a little quick fix.
Now for SKIN: ermahgerd! I'm kind of surprised more people don't talk about rosewater because it can really improve your complexion. I use it as a toner and apply it with a cotton ball after washing my face OR I will use the spray bottle and mist it over my face. I just like to mix it up a little. I don't use toner every day because it tends to dry my skin out, but it also has anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties, so I throw it in to get those benefits.
Palo Santo
Ahhh... palo santo. The name means "holy wood" and it comes from a tree in South America, which is considered to be sacred. Shamans and Incas have used it for years both medicinally and in spiritual and energetic cleansing. I love to use palo santo sticks for clearing a space energetically and also during meditation. I like it more than sage because I prefer its earthy, slightly minty scent. It's a very pleasant scent.
Of course, this is all going to sound very woo woo, but if you're a little sensitive to things like energy and are into self-development and exploration-- beginning a process of clearing energy in your home is going to become a life-changing ritual. I probably smudge my home once a week, especially if it's been a difficult week. It's a very high vibe product.
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| Image fromhttps://img0.etsystatic.com/044/0/6451133/il_fullxfull.576176438_f3x3.jpg |
Ahhh... palo santo. The name means "holy wood" and it comes from a tree in South America, which is considered to be sacred. Shamans and Incas have used it for years both medicinally and in spiritual and energetic cleansing. I love to use palo santo sticks for clearing a space energetically and also during meditation. I like it more than sage because I prefer its earthy, slightly minty scent. It's a very pleasant scent.
Of course, this is all going to sound very woo woo, but if you're a little sensitive to things like energy and are into self-development and exploration-- beginning a process of clearing energy in your home is going to become a life-changing ritual. I probably smudge my home once a week, especially if it's been a difficult week. It's a very high vibe product.
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| Image from https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91QBJN9EfFL._SL1500_.jpg |
This guy's yummm... I prefer dark chocolate anyway--love the fact that it has antioxidants. It has no added sugar or artificial flavors, it's just sweetened with stevia. So no blood sugar spikes. Definite plus there!
Chocolate's a must-have in my home. You can try prying it from my cold, dead hands. It's just important to choose your chocolate wisely.
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First thing first,
our bodies produce collagen naturally, it's actually the most prominent protein
in the body. Collagen supports the vitality of the ligaments, bones,
tendons, hair, nails and skin. But collagen breaks down over time,
especially when we're engaging in vigorous workouts (think of a runner pounding
the pavement.) Our bodies produce less collagen as we age.
My holistic nutritionist turned me onto collagen powder as a supplement and I'm OBSESSED. It's not vegan... I feel I should state that. The powder encourages new collagen growth, so it can help repair ligaments and increase joint flexibility and health! It increases the elasticity in hair, nails, and skin, so it really can reduce the appearance of aging. I love a product that goes more than skin deep.
I learned that collagen powders work best when they're ingested. I use the kind I lined above and it's completely tasteless in smoothies or you could mix it into coffee. I rarely drink coffee, but if you're into the Bulletproof coffee craze, look up recipes that include that coffee with collagen and you'll find a lot of interesting recipes--the collagen will make your coffee nice and frothy.
I have serious love for the booch--it's full of enzymes, minerals, acids, and probiotics. Best of all, I truly notice a difference on a day I've had kombucha and a day I haven't... it gives me extra energy, improves my mood, and I just feel better overall. I have an odd fascination with gut health and the science behind it. Probiotics are important to a healthy, balanced gut. I saved this one for last because I have so much gratitude and appreciation for this product. I believe it played a significant role in restoring my gastrointestinal health. It was pretty scarily in need of repair about 5 years ago and I was very worried. I listened to my doctor, but focused more of changes in my diet and paying attention to how foods felt after I ate them. Kombucha has always felt very soothing to my system after I drink it. So... that's a pretty big deal for me...This particular brand with this flavor is my favorite, but a close second is GT's Kombucha in Lavender Love.
You may notice a recurring theme of lavender adoration in here...
