During the winter time when we see sick people all around us, I frequently feel the need to encourage my boys to wash their hands after touching things that seem less than sanitary. We all have sensitive skin, and the soaps in public restrooms often make us break out in rashes. Further, many places use antibacterial soaps, which are one of the sources of antibiotic resistance, in addition to being full of many unwanted toxic chemicals.… Continue reading
Health
The Problem with Plastics
For a long time, plastics were seen as the material of the future. They can be made very strong and resistant to breaking, they can be formed into any shape and color, and they can be made with all sorts of textures and degrees of malleability and flexibility, they are lightweight, and they’re relatively inexpensive to produce.
I think we’re just beginning to see the problems caused by the long-term use of plastics.… Continue reading
Dandelion Root and Chicory Tea
During the winter, everything slows down. Animals hibernate, plants go dormant, people spend more time indoors; everything turns inward. I feel like the same thing holds true of my body. And at times like this, I love to make Dandelion Root and Chicory Tea.
Dandelion root is a great liver cleanser. It’s also helpful with purifying the blood. Dandelion also has a host of other health benefits, including aiding with digestion, lowering blood pressure, regulating blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation, and boosting the immune system.… Continue reading
Apple Cider Vinegar Drink to Boost Immunity
I feel like we’re surrounded by colds and the flu right now. Our close friends all seem to be sick. When we went to story time at the library, there were lots of kids with runny noses, and lots of people coughing and sneezing and hacking. I keep hearing talk of the nasty flu going around town. We are doing our best to avoid all of this by boosting our immunity naturally.… Continue reading
A Simple Snack: Celery with Peanut Butter
My two boys eat pretty much every two hours from the time they wake up until the time they go to bed. It’s not that they don’t eat at meals (well, most of the time). They do eat meals; my 6-year-old sometimes eats more than I do. It’s simply that they’re growing so much that they’re constantly hungry.
As a result, I’m always looking for simple, healthy snacks to keep on hand.… Continue reading
Reasons to love House Plants
I love my plants. I am warmed by seeing their greenery around the house, especially when the outside plants are dormant and bare for the winter. I trust them to help purify the air in my home, as plants are great natural air filters. Plants can also help reduce stress, similar to the way that being outside in nature can help reduce our stress levels.… Continue reading
Soothing, Natural Sore Throat Remedy
Today a couple of people in my house woke up with a sore throat. When this happens, I start to pull out my natural remedies, hoping to stop a potential cold in its tracks before it can progress.
One of the best ways that I know to soothe a sore throat is with Hot Honey Ginger Lemonade. It’s a simple recipe, we almost always have all of the ingredients on hand, and each of the ingredients is helpful to boost immunity.… Continue reading
Taking a Walk Alone
“Take a walk outside – it will serve you far more than pacing around in your mind.”
― Rasheed Ogunlaru
I love going for walks. Before I had kids, I would typically walk twice a day: once in the morning and once after dinner. Since my two beautiful boys have come into my life, I no longer walk nearly as frequently, but I still strive to walk as often as I can.… Continue reading
My Favorite Way to Make Kale Chips
I’m always on the search for healthy snacks that my family will be excited about eating. Kale chips definitely fit that bill. We used to roast kale chips in the oven, but after some experimentation, I discovered that we like them even better if I prepare them in our dehydrator. Using a dehydrator has the added benefit of completely drying out the chips, making them super crispy and allowing them to store well, without burning any of them, a balance I always found difficult to achieve in the oven.… Continue reading
Homemade All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
As part of my ongoing quest to remove controllable toxins from our lives (I figure there will always be things beyond my control, but I try to eliminate chemical nasties where I can) I started making my own cleaners to use around the house. I love knowing exactly what’s in the cleaners I’m using. Further, I can use essential oils not only to make them smell great, but also to increase their effectiveness.… Continue reading