Mmmm...Christmas break is always my time to try new things and make goals. This is definitely the case this year, and once again, everything is revolving around how we eat. What is the next step? What is my plan? I need to set up a template of what my week will look like regarding baking and meals or else nothing will happen. Luckily, I love to do this, and usually I can make things happen according to plan about 50% of the time. :)
So, here's what I am asking myself this year:
1. What do I want MY pantry to look like?
I've tried other's lists, but have ended up buying things that we just don't use. I think I know enough now as to what my family likes and doesn't like to create my own pantry list. I would love to buy everything from my co-op if costs permit.
2. What do I want my menu template to be?
3. I want to use all sprouted flours, make our bread and crackers and get away from processed food with all the additives, etc. What kind of schedule is that going to take?
That's about it for now. I am hoping to get this all into place by the time school starts up again. A good foundation is imperative to anything.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
12 days of baking
Wow, it's been a long time. The Christmas show took over for quite a while. Thank goodness for Christmas Break! I am looking forward to my new vitamix blender which I am getting for Christmas tomorrow! I have been sprouting and dehydrating grain in anticipation. I am determined to learn how to make a good loaf of bread and to use healthy flour in all that we bake.
My new favorite blog is www.thenourishinggourmet.com. It is filled with all kinds of healthy eating information and recipes. Also, how to do it on a budget. My New Year's quest...determining how I want to eat, and how to do it in real life. More on that later.
12 days of baking...I have made power bars, granola bars, 2 loaves of bread and candied pretzels to give away. More next week when I get my sourdough starter. :)
Merry Christmas! Don't forget the actual reason for this season!
My new favorite blog is www.thenourishinggourmet.com. It is filled with all kinds of healthy eating information and recipes. Also, how to do it on a budget. My New Year's quest...determining how I want to eat, and how to do it in real life. More on that later.
12 days of baking...I have made power bars, granola bars, 2 loaves of bread and candied pretzels to give away. More next week when I get my sourdough starter. :)
Merry Christmas! Don't forget the actual reason for this season!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Exercise Room of the Week - Bathroom
This is my favorite place to exercise because it is so easy! If I don't have time to do this exercise, it is a sign that I need to get things more together. Here it is:
Calf Raises While Brushing Your Teeth
It's simple, while you are brushing your teeth, just raise yourself up onto the balls of your feet over and over. You should be able to accomplish 80 each time you brush your teeth. I feel it all the way up the back of my legs. Try it with your toes pointed in and pointed out. I was told this works different muscles.
When your done, why not throw in a few push-ups using the counter top? I haven't been doing that, but I think I will add that to my morning routine!
Calf Raises While Brushing Your Teeth
It's simple, while you are brushing your teeth, just raise yourself up onto the balls of your feet over and over. You should be able to accomplish 80 each time you brush your teeth. I feel it all the way up the back of my legs. Try it with your toes pointed in and pointed out. I was told this works different muscles.
When your done, why not throw in a few push-ups using the counter top? I haven't been doing that, but I think I will add that to my morning routine!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Exercising around the house: Laundry Room
I don't know about you, but I have no desire to go to a gym. I am busy enough during the day, and don't need more time away from my kids. However, I do need to exercise! So, what's a mom to do? I am finding ways to exercise all over the house. Each week I'll try to spotlight a room and the exercises that can be done there.
Room of the week: Laundry Room
I bet you didn't know that the laundry room is a great place to do squats! How do you empty the clothes out of your drier? I spread my legs apart and squat down to get those clothes out! I try to do it quickly and just pile them all on top of my drier in order to keep those muscles working. About 20 squats and I'm feeling it! Remember to keep your knees lined up with your ankles, and not your toes, and start shaping up those legs!
Room of the week: Laundry Room
I bet you didn't know that the laundry room is a great place to do squats! How do you empty the clothes out of your drier? I spread my legs apart and squat down to get those clothes out! I try to do it quickly and just pile them all on top of my drier in order to keep those muscles working. About 20 squats and I'm feeling it! Remember to keep your knees lined up with your ankles, and not your toes, and start shaping up those legs!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Addendum
I just wanted to clarify that I use the goldenseal, but I don't use it on the kids. I don't use anything that is not recommended by the website I mentioned in the previous post.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Goldenseal
Well, since the family has its first cold I thought I'd share some info on my favorite herbs. Last year, when I started working with preschoolers, I battled sinus infections during May. Blech. I visited my local herb store, Garden of Eden, and told the "practitioner" that I could feel a sinus infection...like someone had punched me in the cheek. She told me to use my neti-pot with herbal tea - thyme, oregano, echinacea are some good ones...anti-bacterial and anti-viral. Then, she sold me some goldenseal powder. I mixed 1/16 of a tsp with very little water and stuck it up my nose with a q-tip. No joke. :) I started at lunch time - neti-pot and goldenseal - , again after school, and by dinner time the pain was gone. I was also taking an herbal tincture she had for allergies. This goldenseal works wonders.
This time round with the cold, I did the goldenseal, but would stop when I started to feel better. However, it is important to keep doing it until you actually are better because it will come back. Kind of like taking your entire bottle of antibiotics even though you feel better. You just gotta wipe out those suckers!
Some good preventative herbs are astragalus root and echinacea. I alternate these with my kids. We just started yesterday with astragalus, and will alternate every month with echinacea.
A great website is: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ I check this site before giving any herbs to my kids.
Will has entered into the germ pool of Kindergarten. This year will be a good test for our new healthy eating habits and preventative herbs. Here's to our health!
This time round with the cold, I did the goldenseal, but would stop when I started to feel better. However, it is important to keep doing it until you actually are better because it will come back. Kind of like taking your entire bottle of antibiotics even though you feel better. You just gotta wipe out those suckers!
Some good preventative herbs are astragalus root and echinacea. I alternate these with my kids. We just started yesterday with astragalus, and will alternate every month with echinacea.
A great website is: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ I check this site before giving any herbs to my kids.
Will has entered into the germ pool of Kindergarten. This year will be a good test for our new healthy eating habits and preventative herbs. Here's to our health!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Meal Planning
Just a blurb about meal planning...it is a must if you want to be healthy! If I get home and don't know what I am going to eat, my family is doomed, and my budget is shot because we end up eating out too much! So, Thursday is my shopping day and I just planned out my menu. In case you were wondering: :)
TH-Stir Fry - using left over steak from Sunday's BBQ. My dear hubby cuts up the extra steak and it goes right into the freezer to be used later in the week. LOVE THAT!
FRI - Duane is home, and he actually likes to plan dinner. Fabulous.
SAT/SUN - free days for me. Sunday is always a big BBQ, and leftovers are used during the week. I just recently decided to grill extra chicken no matter what because nothing beats grilled chicken in things like quesidillas later in the week.
MON - Broccoli/Quinoa Chicken What is quinoa you ask? Check out www.danispies.com. Look for her Quinoa 101 video...it's short and sweet. Her site is fantastic.
TU- Fajitas - using that leftover grilled chicken. Also using tortillas that you cook on the stove. So delicious and no preservatives. But, they are made with white flour so use sparingly. :) Look for them by the cream cheese at Walmart. Also good with this...leftover veggies that were grilled in a foil packet on Sunday night. MMMM. Try a warm tortilla with some honey and maybe some cinnamon. Yum.
WED - Greek Pizza - This uses shredded chicken that was cooked in the crockpot. So easy to shred and freeze for future use. Throw some in Monday, on low and shred while dinner's in the oven. Someday I'll share my homemade sauce recipe. Think of this pizza as a greek salad...olives, feta, mozzarella, chicken...topped with a little greek dressing-also a great recipe to follow. Discover Rustic Crust at Bashas, it's wonderful.
Well, gotta run. Time for dinner...
TH-Stir Fry - using left over steak from Sunday's BBQ. My dear hubby cuts up the extra steak and it goes right into the freezer to be used later in the week. LOVE THAT!
FRI - Duane is home, and he actually likes to plan dinner. Fabulous.
SAT/SUN - free days for me. Sunday is always a big BBQ, and leftovers are used during the week. I just recently decided to grill extra chicken no matter what because nothing beats grilled chicken in things like quesidillas later in the week.
MON - Broccoli/Quinoa Chicken What is quinoa you ask? Check out www.danispies.com. Look for her Quinoa 101 video...it's short and sweet. Her site is fantastic.
TU- Fajitas - using that leftover grilled chicken. Also using tortillas that you cook on the stove. So delicious and no preservatives. But, they are made with white flour so use sparingly. :) Look for them by the cream cheese at Walmart. Also good with this...leftover veggies that were grilled in a foil packet on Sunday night. MMMM. Try a warm tortilla with some honey and maybe some cinnamon. Yum.
WED - Greek Pizza - This uses shredded chicken that was cooked in the crockpot. So easy to shred and freeze for future use. Throw some in Monday, on low and shred while dinner's in the oven. Someday I'll share my homemade sauce recipe. Think of this pizza as a greek salad...olives, feta, mozzarella, chicken...topped with a little greek dressing-also a great recipe to follow. Discover Rustic Crust at Bashas, it's wonderful.
Well, gotta run. Time for dinner...
Monday, August 9, 2010
Essential Oil and Green Smoothies hmmm.
Aaahhh. I'm allowing myself 15 minutes with my feet up before starting round two of my day, or it my be round three since it's dinnertime. :) Will is in the bath breathing in our wonderful essential oil mix...eucalyptus, tea tree, clove and peppermint. Just mix a few drops of each with some lotion or glycerin (available at Walmart in the Pharmacy dept) and add it to the water. It feels so good when you have a cold, which he does. 1.5 weeks into school, and he has a cold already! Stink. This year will be a test to see how healthy we are as Will enters the massive germ pool of public school for the first time. Bleck. He's got a major runny nose, but it's not keeping him down at all. So far, so good.
I went shopping today and got spinach for our smoothies. We use two big boxes of organic spinach every two weeks or so. I bring them home and pop them right into the pan with some ice cubes to cook while I am unloading everything. The box says it's been washed 3x and is ready to enjoy, so I trust the box and enjoy the time saved. Apparently, spinach is better for you if it is cooked,so I cook it as a favor to our digestive tracts. It is cooling on the stove right now, and after dinner I will put it in little snack bags and freeze them for future use. It's really not that difficult to be healthy!
OUR GREEN SMOOTHIE "RECIPE"
This makes us 2 good sized smoothies and 1 little one.
about 1 cup of water or water kefir (more about this later) in your blender
one frozen banana (just take your mushy bananas peel, break them apart and freeze them)
a handful or two of frozen strawberries or any other berry we also like cherry and pineapple
a snack bag at least half full of frozen, cooked spinach
a big squeeze of bottled lemon juice (we like ours tart) OR two teaspoons of lemon flavored cod-liver oil...seriously, it only tastes like lemon, the kids will never know.
Blend it all up. Add more liquid if you need to, or if you don't like it thick. The spinach makes the smoothie bright green, and we think that is fun. You actually can't taste the spinach at all...really. We tried red peppers once and you could taste it, but not spinach. Spinach is a super food, so it's worth a try! Imagine, you can get one of your 5 veggies in a yummy smoothie! If you want yours sweet, add more fruit and definitely axe the lemon juice. Point is, it is easy to make a smoothie; adjust it to how you like it. It usually takes me a total of 7 minutes clean-up included.
Tip: Cost-co carries big bags of frozen fruit. Some organic. :)
Gotta run..sorry for any typos...I'm 6 minutes late for round 3!
I went shopping today and got spinach for our smoothies. We use two big boxes of organic spinach every two weeks or so. I bring them home and pop them right into the pan with some ice cubes to cook while I am unloading everything. The box says it's been washed 3x and is ready to enjoy, so I trust the box and enjoy the time saved. Apparently, spinach is better for you if it is cooked,so I cook it as a favor to our digestive tracts. It is cooling on the stove right now, and after dinner I will put it in little snack bags and freeze them for future use. It's really not that difficult to be healthy!
OUR GREEN SMOOTHIE "RECIPE"
This makes us 2 good sized smoothies and 1 little one.
about 1 cup of water or water kefir (more about this later) in your blender
one frozen banana (just take your mushy bananas peel, break them apart and freeze them)
a handful or two of frozen strawberries or any other berry we also like cherry and pineapple
a snack bag at least half full of frozen, cooked spinach
a big squeeze of bottled lemon juice (we like ours tart) OR two teaspoons of lemon flavored cod-liver oil...seriously, it only tastes like lemon, the kids will never know.
Blend it all up. Add more liquid if you need to, or if you don't like it thick. The spinach makes the smoothie bright green, and we think that is fun. You actually can't taste the spinach at all...really. We tried red peppers once and you could taste it, but not spinach. Spinach is a super food, so it's worth a try! Imagine, you can get one of your 5 veggies in a yummy smoothie! If you want yours sweet, add more fruit and definitely axe the lemon juice. Point is, it is easy to make a smoothie; adjust it to how you like it. It usually takes me a total of 7 minutes clean-up included.
Tip: Cost-co carries big bags of frozen fruit. Some organic. :)
Gotta run..sorry for any typos...I'm 6 minutes late for round 3!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Favorite Healthy Lunch
Hey Christine...this one's for you. :)
My favorite healthy lunch...now that I am working, I make it everyday. I love it because it is so healthy it's disgusting, but actually yummy. Everyday I try to eat the following:
Lot's of fiber - 25+ grams
5 veggie servings (including one "leafy greens")
3 fruit servings.
Everything else seems to fall into place if I focus on these top three.
So, here's the ingredients for the super-healthy :) lunch. Super-duper healthy if you go all organic.
Flat Out Bread - find this at Walmart, Cost Co or any store. It comes with flax meal which adds lots of healthy fiber. You can also get it flavored with herbs.
A nice healthy salad - I like to buy mine organic, in a box. We did grow lettuce this spring, and it was awesome. We're going to attempt a mini greenhouse this winter with straw bales and old windows, so we can have lettuce all winter long. More on that later...Fix up a nice salad with some cucumbers, tomatoes...and you can just keep it in the box. It should last several days.
Pepper Jack Cheese - I like a little kick. Shred a bunch and keep it in a zip lock all week ready to go.
The initial prep takes some time, but is worth it. The night before - always make your lunch at night, or you will hate yourself in the morning!! - just whip out your flatbread and coat 2/3 of it with your cheese of choice. Cover the cheese with a bunch of salad and roll it up. Stick it in a quart size zip lock with the bottom bunched together in a corner. That's it! Add a snack bag sized of baby carrots and another of grapes, and you're good to go. (You've already packed these goodies and have them stored in the little drawer of your fridge. This way you just grab them and throw them in your lunch box. Have your kids help and make enough for all of you because school lunches STINK! Unless they are homemade in the cafeteria of course...not likely. Good quality time, and it gets done really fast.) :)
Bring a banana for a mid-morning snack and something for the afternoon or the ride home or else you'll never make a healthy dinner because you are too hungry! Try some raw nuts, shredded whole wheat cereal, some of the yummy treats posted here, etc.
I forgot to mention...keep the wrap inside the bag when you are eating. Just grab the end of the bag and peel it open around your hand. This way nothing falls out on your lap!
My favorite healthy lunch...now that I am working, I make it everyday. I love it because it is so healthy it's disgusting, but actually yummy. Everyday I try to eat the following:
Lot's of fiber - 25+ grams
5 veggie servings (including one "leafy greens")
3 fruit servings.
Everything else seems to fall into place if I focus on these top three.
So, here's the ingredients for the super-healthy :) lunch. Super-duper healthy if you go all organic.
Flat Out Bread - find this at Walmart, Cost Co or any store. It comes with flax meal which adds lots of healthy fiber. You can also get it flavored with herbs.
A nice healthy salad - I like to buy mine organic, in a box. We did grow lettuce this spring, and it was awesome. We're going to attempt a mini greenhouse this winter with straw bales and old windows, so we can have lettuce all winter long. More on that later...Fix up a nice salad with some cucumbers, tomatoes...and you can just keep it in the box. It should last several days.
Pepper Jack Cheese - I like a little kick. Shred a bunch and keep it in a zip lock all week ready to go.
The initial prep takes some time, but is worth it. The night before - always make your lunch at night, or you will hate yourself in the morning!! - just whip out your flatbread and coat 2/3 of it with your cheese of choice. Cover the cheese with a bunch of salad and roll it up. Stick it in a quart size zip lock with the bottom bunched together in a corner. That's it! Add a snack bag sized of baby carrots and another of grapes, and you're good to go. (You've already packed these goodies and have them stored in the little drawer of your fridge. This way you just grab them and throw them in your lunch box. Have your kids help and make enough for all of you because school lunches STINK! Unless they are homemade in the cafeteria of course...not likely. Good quality time, and it gets done really fast.) :)
Bring a banana for a mid-morning snack and something for the afternoon or the ride home or else you'll never make a healthy dinner because you are too hungry! Try some raw nuts, shredded whole wheat cereal, some of the yummy treats posted here, etc.
I forgot to mention...keep the wrap inside the bag when you are eating. Just grab the end of the bag and peel it open around your hand. This way nothing falls out on your lap!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Purpose Found
"...no man is complete wihout his wife. You were created to make him complete, not to seek personal fulfillment parallel to him." Created to be His Helpmeet
God has really been hammering this lesson home during the past year and a half. It was about that long ago that I dropped out of all my "ministry" and other commitments and started focusing on how I complete my husband. During that time I did struggle with, "but what is MY purpose?" Finally, I got it. If I am a wife, that is my purpose. My husband and family are my ministry. By being involved with them in all that they do, I am constantly in the "mission field". I don't need extra things to do with a church. I complete my husband, that is my purpose. I am his gift from God. God created Eve to complete Adam, and we are no different. Since I have embraced this and all it entails - mainly losing myself and my selfishness - I do see a difference. Duane and I are more involved with things together, and I love it. We are a team. Not pursuing two lives parallel to each other, but we are on the same team...and I complete him...beautiful.
So, any wives reading this, I encourage you to think about how you complete your man. You are God's great gift to him, does it show?
Genesis 2:18.... Proverbs 18:22
God has really been hammering this lesson home during the past year and a half. It was about that long ago that I dropped out of all my "ministry" and other commitments and started focusing on how I complete my husband. During that time I did struggle with, "but what is MY purpose?" Finally, I got it. If I am a wife, that is my purpose. My husband and family are my ministry. By being involved with them in all that they do, I am constantly in the "mission field". I don't need extra things to do with a church. I complete my husband, that is my purpose. I am his gift from God. God created Eve to complete Adam, and we are no different. Since I have embraced this and all it entails - mainly losing myself and my selfishness - I do see a difference. Duane and I are more involved with things together, and I love it. We are a team. Not pursuing two lives parallel to each other, but we are on the same team...and I complete him...beautiful.
So, any wives reading this, I encourage you to think about how you complete your man. You are God's great gift to him, does it show?
Genesis 2:18.... Proverbs 18:22
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Welcome
I am surprised to say that I have successfully exported and then imported the posts from my former blog, and it was easy and uneventful! How rare that is. Musing helpmeet, I love the title. I came up with it after searching an online thesaurus. I am definitely a muser...I love to think and mull things over. I love to brainstorm. The only bummer is that I am not so good at carrying these things out. Maybe this blog can be a fun way for me to do something with my musings. Here's to great future ideas! As for now, it's time to finish up my Aug. 1 cup of hot chocolate - thank you monsoons - and get going on the day. It's Sunday, lots of helpmeeting to do. :)
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Aghh! Link to Chocolate Yummies Video
So, apparently I don't know how to do this. I am clicking on the link button, and it show's up on my edit page, but not on the final draft?
I ended up adding it on the sidebar with the other sites you may want to check out. So, if you scroll down you will see the Chocolate Yummies link on the right...Finally!
I ended up adding it on the sidebar with the other sites you may want to check out. So, if you scroll down you will see the Chocolate Yummies link on the right...Finally!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Cooking with the Kids -- Chocolate Yummies
Recipe for Chocolate Yummies By: Ellie, Will and Sarah Jane
2 C UNSWEETENED coconut flakes
1 C Cocoa Powder
1 C RAW honey
1/2 C (peanuts only, no sugar added!) peanut butter We like chunky. :)
1 pinch of sea salt
Combine in bowl.
Give it a good stir.
Dive in with clean hands and mush it together until thoroughly blended! We use disposal vinyal gloves to keep the mess at a minimum. :)
Dump the giant chocolate ball into an 8x8 pan and spread out.
Try some now and then stick it in the 'fridge to harden up. MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!
This recipe yeilds a dark chocolate flavor. If that's not to your taste, decrease the amount of cocoa powder.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Balls
Mmmmm. My chocolate/sugar days arrived last week. You know, the days where you just have to have chocolate? This month I had a craving for my peanut butter balls. I made a double batch and with company staying with us, they were gone in a little over 24 hours. They are healthy, but oh, so yummy!! They are also good to give away since you don't have to be a health nut to love these!
Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Balls
2 c regular rolled oats
3/4 c natural peanut butter (no sugar/sweetener added!)
1/2 c raw honey (Trader Joe's, Sunflower Market, Whole Foods, etc.)
2 TBSP whole wheat/spelt flour
1/3 c mini chocolate chips
Mix everything together in a medium-sized bowl. I usually start out with a spoon and then just dig in with my hands! Form into balls and store in your refrigerator.
Just the right thing to satisfy a craving for sweets. Especially peanut butter cups.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Balls
2 c regular rolled oats
3/4 c natural peanut butter (no sugar/sweetener added!)
1/2 c raw honey (Trader Joe's, Sunflower Market, Whole Foods, etc.)
2 TBSP whole wheat/spelt flour
1/3 c mini chocolate chips
Mix everything together in a medium-sized bowl. I usually start out with a spoon and then just dig in with my hands! Form into balls and store in your refrigerator.
Just the right thing to satisfy a craving for sweets. Especially peanut butter cups.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Going Cash
Aaaahhh! I'm standing in the line at Walmart with my little wallet filled with cash. I haven't made my envelopes yet, but I did attempt to separate the cash in my wallet. Here's the trouble...I am purchasing things from 3 different categories! Ugh! There has to be an easier way, right? All of my categories are filled with twenties. On top of that, I am purchasing a gift and I left that money in my bank account due to the amount of money we spend online for gifts. Plus, if Duane is buying a gift, he doesn't have the cash envelopes-he doesn't want to go the cash route.
I would love some insight on how everyone manages their money with their spouse. If anyone happens to read this, please feel free to comment. :)
I would love some insight on how everyone manages their money with their spouse. If anyone happens to read this, please feel free to comment. :)
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Wow, March madness did take over there for a while with two weeks of spring break. However, U of A didn't make it to the basketball tournament, so our house is a little less "mad" than usual for this time of year. I have placed a total of 3 orders from my green company, and have adjusted my budget to account for the $80 a month I am spending. I took $40 from food and $40 from misc. and put it in this category. This $80 is covering all my laundry, cleaning, dishwasher, "bath soap" and lotion needs.
As far as my March Missions go, I didn't eat so healthy in Tucson...no big surprise there...but, I have revamped my budget. I revisited my book, Money Matters and discovered that we can actually use the percentages Crown Financial recommends for your budget. In the past, we made too little money, and our housing percentage was way above where it should be. Now to see if we can stick to this budget. I am switching to cash, and am going to make some fun cash envelopes to keep track instead of buying them. I have all the supplies already and it really shouldn't be that difficult. I also want to sew a new purse. We'll see....Time to wake up the kids for some eggs and veggies. No fruit for us in the morning! If we don't eat veggies right away, we'll never get our 5 servings in!!
As far as my March Missions go, I didn't eat so healthy in Tucson...no big surprise there...but, I have revamped my budget. I revisited my book, Money Matters and discovered that we can actually use the percentages Crown Financial recommends for your budget. In the past, we made too little money, and our housing percentage was way above where it should be. Now to see if we can stick to this budget. I am switching to cash, and am going to make some fun cash envelopes to keep track instead of buying them. I have all the supplies already and it really shouldn't be that difficult. I also want to sew a new purse. We'll see....Time to wake up the kids for some eggs and veggies. No fruit for us in the morning! If we don't eat veggies right away, we'll never get our 5 servings in!!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
March Madness
Aaahhh! It's March Madness! Today we find out if the U of A is going to the tournament. In my family this is a big deal. They might not get invited this year which would be a tragedy. But that's Duane's tragedy...here's mine: I don't fit into my capri pants anymore!! Thank goodness I have one pair with elastic to get me through until I get that under control. We're headed to Tucson for some warm weather, and my legs are dying to get out of pants prison. So, March Madness for me = March Missions.
Mission #1 Eat healthier. I know many of you laugh at that, but apparently I can eat a little healthier or else I would not have outgrown my pants. :) No money for new clothes, and I like the ones I have besides. I am finishing off my chocolate yummies as I write. Don't want them to go to waste--or waist :) so I better take a walk today. Ha, ha.
Mission #2 Declutter! That has begun already. Out with the old and lying around! They annual Hubbard yard sale is coming up. I am always amazed at how much we collect. Really, did we actually spend money on this stuff? Which leads me to...
Mission #3 Stop spending excess money. Ha, because there isn't excess money. Do you think I can buy only what we need? God, please grant me the wisdom to see the difference between what we truly need, and what is only a desire, and the strength to say NO! Actually, I know I have all the strength I need through Jesus, so I pray that I will use it. I also know that if we ask for wisdom, you give it, and you always give a way out of temptation, so no excuses for being unsuccessful.
Anyone else on any March Missions? I'd love to hear them. Also, any tips always welcome!
Mission #1 Eat healthier. I know many of you laugh at that, but apparently I can eat a little healthier or else I would not have outgrown my pants. :) No money for new clothes, and I like the ones I have besides. I am finishing off my chocolate yummies as I write. Don't want them to go to waste--or waist :) so I better take a walk today. Ha, ha.
Mission #2 Declutter! That has begun already. Out with the old and lying around! They annual Hubbard yard sale is coming up. I am always amazed at how much we collect. Really, did we actually spend money on this stuff? Which leads me to...
Mission #3 Stop spending excess money. Ha, because there isn't excess money. Do you think I can buy only what we need? God, please grant me the wisdom to see the difference between what we truly need, and what is only a desire, and the strength to say NO! Actually, I know I have all the strength I need through Jesus, so I pray that I will use it. I also know that if we ask for wisdom, you give it, and you always give a way out of temptation, so no excuses for being unsuccessful.
Anyone else on any March Missions? I'd love to hear them. Also, any tips always welcome!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Read those labels
I am once again reminded of how important it is to read labels on what I'm eating and giving to my kids! It is a time consuming, and sometimes irritating, task, but it really is important. I keep three skinny, rectangle drink holders - the kind with the spouts - in our 'fridge. This way, we have three drinks readily available, within the kids reach, and I don't have to continue to make more because they hold twice as much as a regular pitcher. Iced tea, watered-down juice, and usually homemade lemonade are favorites around here. Last week I switched out the lemonade for the new orange sports drink we are trying. I bought it in my last order, and it is supposed to be healthier than the regular gatorade. Duane is in the field a lot right now, so I thought a good, healthier electrolyte drink would be good. Confession, I didn't really read the label, just what they were saying about it. I missed the low calorie part. Low calorie always sends warning lights my way. I don't like chemical sweeteners. I've never counted calories, I have radically adjusted what I eat, but have never worried about calories, just whether something is healthy or not. Anyway, I was cleaning up my 'fridge last night - the spouts do drip a bit leaving juice and sticky residue on the bottom of my 'fridge - I couldn't get the orange sports drink to go away. It stained the inside of my white refrigerator. :( So, this prompted me to read the label to see what they are putting in this stuff. (Since we started drinking it, my kids have broken out in a mysterious, very itchy rash...but this could be due to something poking them while we were working in the garden...can't quite nail it down yet.) Ends up they are using beta-carotene and red beet juice. Not bad, no toxic food coloring there. This is good, but I bet that red beet juice just stained my 'fridge! Maybe they can recommend one of their cleaning products that will take care of this problem. :) However, I did see that in addition to fructose, they are using sucralose - otherwise known as aspartame - to sweeten the drink. Yuck! Not what I look for in a healthier drink. Bummer. Oh how I wish I had the money to go all organic. Oh well, another lesson learned right? Be joyful always...
Monday, March 1, 2010
Return, return
I just posted about face lotion, and then this weekend noticed that my face was peeling! Hmmm, apparently not enough moisture for my dry skin. So, I will be trying out this company's famous satisfaction guarantee policy. We'll see how tough it is to get my money back. More later...
Monday, February 22, 2010
Daytime Face Lotion
I ordered a new bottle of face lotion last month. I've been using the same lotion for a while, so I forgot that I could have just ordered the nighttime lotion. I wish I had. Nothing is really wrong with the daytime lotion, it just has sunscreen in it, and I am not a big fan of wearing sunscreen everyday. I know, all dermatologists are going to hunt me down and tell me differently! But, here's how I see it...I have looked up what chemicals are used in sunscreen on the Skin Deep database, and the only good thing they do is block the sun. They do plenty of bad things...depending on the amount that is put into the lotion. Just ask my friend, Bree, what her son's skin thinks of sunscreen. Plus, God made the sun to give us vitamin D. He gave us trees for shade, and clothes to protect our bodies. I would rather wear a hat, clothes and not be in the sun for more than 15 minutes at a time than slather up with sunscreen everyday. Especially in the winter.
So, if you're looking for a good lotion without sunscreen, go with a nighttime lotion. It's more moisturizing which is good news for those of us living in this Arizona dryness.
So, if you're looking for a good lotion without sunscreen, go with a nighttime lotion. It's more moisturizing which is good news for those of us living in this Arizona dryness.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Labels, labels, labels
I must say I am quite frustrated as I sit at my computer and try to find out exactly what's in my cleaning products. Companies are not required by law to disclose what is in a cleaning product. There are some companies such as Seventh Generation and Trader Joe's are choosing to do so, and to them I give a standing ovation. :) However, even if there was a full ingredient label on every bottle, I probably wouldn't know what's toxic and what's not because even some natural ingredients can be toxic.
So, until I become fully competent in the names of dangerous ingredients, I will be relying on warning labels. These are required by law. DANGER is worse than warning or caution. The product I am using states this: "COMMON-SENSE CAUTION: Eye irritant...flush with plenty of water." This is much better than hold your open eye under a gentle stream of water for 15-20 minutes and call your doctor. Can you imagine trying to do that while your kids are doing who knows what? Or, what if your child gets a little bit on his hands and then touches his eye? Ahh! The thought of holding Ellie or Will's eye open under a stream of water is not pleasant! Here's some more, wash any skin that comes in contact with the product with soap and water for 20 minutes and remove any clothes that come in contact with the product. I've seen all these labels on a bottle of Fantastic cleaner.
If you are interested in a list of harmful ingredients as well as recipes for homemade cleaners, check out this link: http://www.greenerchoices.org/products.cfm?product=greencleaning&page=RightChoices. This is a Consumer Reports website, and I trust them because they are totally independent.
So, until I become fully competent in the names of dangerous ingredients, I will be relying on warning labels. These are required by law. DANGER is worse than warning or caution. The product I am using states this: "COMMON-SENSE CAUTION: Eye irritant...flush with plenty of water." This is much better than hold your open eye under a gentle stream of water for 15-20 minutes and call your doctor. Can you imagine trying to do that while your kids are doing who knows what? Or, what if your child gets a little bit on his hands and then touches his eye? Ahh! The thought of holding Ellie or Will's eye open under a stream of water is not pleasant! Here's some more, wash any skin that comes in contact with the product with soap and water for 20 minutes and remove any clothes that come in contact with the product. I've seen all these labels on a bottle of Fantastic cleaner.
If you are interested in a list of harmful ingredients as well as recipes for homemade cleaners, check out this link: http://www.greenerchoices.org/products.cfm?product=greencleaning&page=RightChoices. This is a Consumer Reports website, and I trust them because they are totally independent.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Ingredients/Poison Control
Whew! It's amazing how life and a little sickness can disrupt your whole routine. I really thought we were going to miss it this year, but the coughing bug has caught up with us!
Someone asked me what the ingredients for the detergent were...here they are:
Laundry detergent: "biodegradable anionic and plant-derived nonionic surfactants, solubilizer, brightening agent, and preservative."
Fabric Softener: "biodegradable, plant-derived softening agent, biodegradable nonionic surfactant, and fragrance."
I called Poison Control today and found out that they can't recommend any specific products because they are a government agency. The representative did look up my new all-purpose cleaner and said it was pretty standard. Some chemicals, some natural. The company claims makes no claims to be all natural, but the product is safe if ingested. Also, it makes a good produce wash.
I checked out the label on a conventional all purpose cleaner I have hidden in a closet, and there were many warnings on it, along with instructions to rinse out the bottle before you throw it away. Also, if you get it on your skin, you need to wash the area for 20 minutes. If the chemicals are hazzardous in my garbage can, and at the dump, why would I use them in my house and around my children? I am glad to say that there are no such warnings on my new products!
Someone asked me what the ingredients for the detergent were...here they are:
Laundry detergent: "biodegradable anionic and plant-derived nonionic surfactants, solubilizer, brightening agent, and preservative."
Fabric Softener: "biodegradable, plant-derived softening agent, biodegradable nonionic surfactant, and fragrance."
I called Poison Control today and found out that they can't recommend any specific products because they are a government agency. The representative did look up my new all-purpose cleaner and said it was pretty standard. Some chemicals, some natural. The company claims makes no claims to be all natural, but the product is safe if ingested. Also, it makes a good produce wash.
I checked out the label on a conventional all purpose cleaner I have hidden in a closet, and there were many warnings on it, along with instructions to rinse out the bottle before you throw it away. Also, if you get it on your skin, you need to wash the area for 20 minutes. If the chemicals are hazzardous in my garbage can, and at the dump, why would I use them in my house and around my children? I am glad to say that there are no such warnings on my new products!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Laundry Detergent and Softener
I love it! I used to buy all natural detergent and softener from Sun and Earth online, but the cost, combined with new, higher shipping costs, was just too much. Lately, I have just been buying the Walmart brand and Bounce unscented fabric sheets. I was excited to get back to the natural, and I have not been disappointed! Our clothes are clean and SOFT. I only dry our jeans partially in the dryer and then hang them up--they are still soft. And my corduroys...hello! They feel incredible. These are two products I will definitely be reordering on a regular basis.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Product Review: Dry Skin Lotion
One product I couldn't wait to try out was the lotion for dry skin. For those of you who know the Hubbards well, you know that we suffer from severely dry skin. Will has eczema that wakes him up in the middle of the night itching even if I lotioned him before bed! Poor guy winds up in our bed just scratching, and I have to lotion him again in the middle of the night.
This has not happened since I started using this lotion!! Woo-hoo! I feel the skin behind Will's knees, and it is SO soft. Last night we didn't even lotion and he slept all night long. Now, this lotion is not totally natural. I've been doing some research, and unless you go fully organic you probably won't find a lotion that is totally natural. There is a website called Skin Deep that provides safety ratings for cosmetics, lotions, etc. I have provided a link on this blog if you'd like to check it out. Jason Naturals, which is sold in health food stores, had a product which rated a 9 (10 is the worst) and so did Huggies, which we use on babies! While my new lotion was not in their data base, I did look up the individual ingredients and concluded that it should fall into the low to low-moderate hazard rating. Jordan Rubin says you shouldn't put anything on your skin that you wouldn't eat because everything is absorbed into your body, but I have checked out, and even tried some organic lotions,...they are expensive and didn't work as well as this one! So, until I'm rolling in the money, I will gladly use this lotion and enjoy my sleep-filled nights.
This has not happened since I started using this lotion!! Woo-hoo! I feel the skin behind Will's knees, and it is SO soft. Last night we didn't even lotion and he slept all night long. Now, this lotion is not totally natural. I've been doing some research, and unless you go fully organic you probably won't find a lotion that is totally natural. There is a website called Skin Deep that provides safety ratings for cosmetics, lotions, etc. I have provided a link on this blog if you'd like to check it out. Jason Naturals, which is sold in health food stores, had a product which rated a 9 (10 is the worst) and so did Huggies, which we use on babies! While my new lotion was not in their data base, I did look up the individual ingredients and concluded that it should fall into the low to low-moderate hazard rating. Jordan Rubin says you shouldn't put anything on your skin that you wouldn't eat because everything is absorbed into your body, but I have checked out, and even tried some organic lotions,...they are expensive and didn't work as well as this one! So, until I'm rolling in the money, I will gladly use this lotion and enjoy my sleep-filled nights.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Recipe - Breakfast Bars
I thought I'd switch it up today and post one of our favorite snack recipes. We call them breakfast bars because they so nice and healthy that I let the kids eat them for breakfast if they want. :) Now, unless you've already begun to deviate from the standard American diet, you may not have all of these ingredients in your cupboard, but they really aren't difficult to come by...especially if you live in the big city, you just have to change where you shop. :)
We have made some major changes in our diet due to God convicting me that our bodies are temples and it's our responsibility to take care of them. One major change is that we rarely eat white flour any more. When wheat flour is refined to make it white, 80% of its nutrients are lost along with a lot of its fiber. Also, after the refining process it is a gray color, so chemicals are used to make it white. I've noticed on labels lately that companies are using unbleached wheat flour. I am assuming this means processed wheat flour that just hasn't been bleached. I suppose this is one step better, but unless it says whole wheat, it's just not what your body needs. With baking at home, we use whole spelt flour, which is a type of wheat that is better for baking. I've also added some barley flour in this recipe because it is a balanced starch and reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol which wheat alone apparently doesn't do. (according to a study conducted at Montana State University)
The other ingredient you can't get at Walmart (where I shop) is Rapadura. Rapadura is raw, unprocessed sugar that actually has minerals and good things still intact. You can use rapadura just like regular sugar. The only thing you'll discover is that it is brown in color, so nothing I make anymore turns out white. :) Beware :), you can buy "Sugar in the Raw" at Walmart, but this is not really raw sugar. Stevia is also a good sweetener that comes from plants, but it is much sweeter than sugar, so you have to convert...too much work for me. :)
So head on over to Whole Foods, Sunflower Market, Sprouts or someplace like that and begin taking care of that body. If you live in Payson, start ordering from Azure Standard or head over to Vitamart. While you're there, park in the spot farthest away from the store and get some exercise in too! :)
BREAKFAST BARS
Preheat Oven to 400
Combine the following in a small bowl and set aside:
2cups whole spelt flour
3/4 cup barley flour
3/4 cup rolled oats
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp baking soda
Combine the following in a large bowl and mix together:
1/2 cup rapadura
3/4 cup NATURAL applesauce
1/2 cup cold water
1/4 cup honey
1 1/2 tbsp molasses
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips - to add into final mix
When second group of ingredients are blended well (I use a whisk) add ingredients in small bowl and mix well. ( I don't even bother getting out my electric mixer. A big spoon works great, and is easier to lick clean. :) Stir in chocolate chips.
Spread in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
These are cake-like bars, and are great anytime of day. Pack them in lunches or eat them for breakfast! :)
We have made some major changes in our diet due to God convicting me that our bodies are temples and it's our responsibility to take care of them. One major change is that we rarely eat white flour any more. When wheat flour is refined to make it white, 80% of its nutrients are lost along with a lot of its fiber. Also, after the refining process it is a gray color, so chemicals are used to make it white. I've noticed on labels lately that companies are using unbleached wheat flour. I am assuming this means processed wheat flour that just hasn't been bleached. I suppose this is one step better, but unless it says whole wheat, it's just not what your body needs. With baking at home, we use whole spelt flour, which is a type of wheat that is better for baking. I've also added some barley flour in this recipe because it is a balanced starch and reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol which wheat alone apparently doesn't do. (according to a study conducted at Montana State University)
The other ingredient you can't get at Walmart (where I shop) is Rapadura. Rapadura is raw, unprocessed sugar that actually has minerals and good things still intact. You can use rapadura just like regular sugar. The only thing you'll discover is that it is brown in color, so nothing I make anymore turns out white. :) Beware :), you can buy "Sugar in the Raw" at Walmart, but this is not really raw sugar. Stevia is also a good sweetener that comes from plants, but it is much sweeter than sugar, so you have to convert...too much work for me. :)
So head on over to Whole Foods, Sunflower Market, Sprouts or someplace like that and begin taking care of that body. If you live in Payson, start ordering from Azure Standard or head over to Vitamart. While you're there, park in the spot farthest away from the store and get some exercise in too! :)
BREAKFAST BARS
Preheat Oven to 400
Combine the following in a small bowl and set aside:
2cups whole spelt flour
3/4 cup barley flour
3/4 cup rolled oats
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp baking soda
Combine the following in a large bowl and mix together:
1/2 cup rapadura
3/4 cup NATURAL applesauce
1/2 cup cold water
1/4 cup honey
1 1/2 tbsp molasses
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips - to add into final mix
When second group of ingredients are blended well (I use a whisk) add ingredients in small bowl and mix well. ( I don't even bother getting out my electric mixer. A big spoon works great, and is easier to lick clean. :) Stir in chocolate chips.
Spread in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
These are cake-like bars, and are great anytime of day. Pack them in lunches or eat them for breakfast! :)
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
My First Order
Alright, here we go! I placed my first order on January 19, 2010. I must say I was quite impressed with their speed. The order was placed around 4pm, and by dinnertime, I had an email confirmation that it had been shipped. Crazy! That was Tuesday, and I received my order Friday afternoon - even with all the crazy weather that ripped through AZ that week. So, here's the details of the order and a price comparison with Walmart. I feel that I need to add a disclaimer...this would not post the way I typed it in, so I had to find a better way to present my information. Here's how it reads:
Product
WM $
New $
Points (35 needed)
laundry detergent 192 loads
$26.34
$29.99
19
pump
$0
$1.99
0
Fabric Softener 64 loads
$7.82
$5.69
3
pump
$0
$1.99
0
Lotion for Dry Skin(compared with Eucerine) 20 oz
$12.80
$15.99
12
Face Lotion (Vitamart)
$20.00
$22.50
14
All Purpose Cleaner 96oz
$12.29
$5.69
3
mixing bottle
$0
$1.49
0
Shipping + handling
$0
$9.06
Totals:
WM $79.25
$94.39
51 points
Total minus one time purchases: $88.92
One time purchases are the mixing bottles and pumps. The products are concentrated, so you need a mixing bottle to dilute correctly. And might I add that the bottles are quite pretty...they match my kitchen perfectly. Bonus! :) I can leave them on the counter and they blend right in. The WM price is calculated per ounce - not the actual bottle - to make for an accurate comparison.
So, about $10 more for natural products - including shipping! I didn't include tax, because that should be the same for both stores. Also, my face lotion says Vitamart because that's where I buy it...it's Avalon Organics. I look forward to telling you about these products and how they measure up individually in future blogs. More later...
Product
WM $
New $
Points (35 needed)
laundry detergent 192 loads
$26.34
$29.99
19
pump
$0
$1.99
0
Fabric Softener 64 loads
$7.82
$5.69
3
pump
$0
$1.99
0
Lotion for Dry Skin(compared with Eucerine) 20 oz
$12.80
$15.99
12
Face Lotion (Vitamart)
$20.00
$22.50
14
All Purpose Cleaner 96oz
$12.29
$5.69
3
mixing bottle
$0
$1.49
0
Shipping + handling
$0
$9.06
Totals:
WM $79.25
$94.39
51 points
Total minus one time purchases: $88.92
One time purchases are the mixing bottles and pumps. The products are concentrated, so you need a mixing bottle to dilute correctly. And might I add that the bottles are quite pretty...they match my kitchen perfectly. Bonus! :) I can leave them on the counter and they blend right in. The WM price is calculated per ounce - not the actual bottle - to make for an accurate comparison.
So, about $10 more for natural products - including shipping! I didn't include tax, because that should be the same for both stores. Also, my face lotion says Vitamart because that's where I buy it...it's Avalon Organics. I look forward to telling you about these products and how they measure up individually in future blogs. More later...
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Signing Up
The company I am dealing with has two kind of customers - those that sporadically order and those that order every month. When you agree to order every month, you receive 30 - 40% off of their regular prices. This is what makes their products affordable. Now there is a slight catch, of course. They assign each product a point value, and you have to order 35 points (which equals more than $35) every month. I've looked into it, and I don't think it will be a problem at all. Also, at sign up, you pay a $30 fee. Every year after this, they charge a $12 annual fee. Kind of like a warehouse store I suppose. The first year is $30 because they send you a small business kit in case you want to pursue the business aspect of it. The good thing about this is that you are considered a business partner no matter what and apparently everything you order is tax deductible. I love that idea...but it seems too good to be true--everything I buy is tax deductible? I'm checking this out further just to be sure. :)
When I finally decided to give this company a try, I called the representative I'd been talking to and she walked me through an online application form that took about 15 minutes. I printed out all the fine print, read it in my spare time, and found no problems. So, now I'm set to go. If I do end up loving the products and referring people to the company I can make 20% on everything they end up purchasing. I only refer, not sell anything.
So, onto the ordering!
When I finally decided to give this company a try, I called the representative I'd been talking to and she walked me through an online application form that took about 15 minutes. I printed out all the fine print, read it in my spare time, and found no problems. So, now I'm set to go. If I do end up loving the products and referring people to the company I can make 20% on everything they end up purchasing. I only refer, not sell anything.
So, onto the ordering!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
How this blog came about...
I am trying to make these posts short and sweet for easy reading, so here goes...
I have been reading through Created to be His Helpmeet (and it has totally changed my thinking and my marriage for the better...wish I had it 15 years ago!) and have been praying about what my vineyard could be. Proverbs 31 talks about the wife of noble character who buys some land and plants a profitable vineyard. I was hoping Kindermusik was going to be that profitable vineyard, but when the economy tanked, it did too. So, time to move on...
I have a very strong desire to be home and available for my children! This is why I am subbing, and it has worked well but is not consistent. Although, God has used it to make the car payment EVERY month - even months when school has vacations. I just need to deal with the inconsistency and thank God for His provision!! :) So much for short...anyway, I am always looking for employment opportunities to earn some extra money and stumbled across an ad in a Christian magazine we get. Turns out it was for this "green" company that has been around for 24 years and has a great reputation. I talked with the lady who placed the ad several times and watched a webcast about the company.
Before diving head on into holding parties, etc., I talked with Duane. One MAJOR thing I have learned from Created to be His Helpmeet is that wives are to submit to their husbands. This is not a popular idea in our culture, but me learning to submit has changed my marriage completely. So, I do nothing without Duane's input. He does not like the idea of me spending lots of time and energy on something that does not have a guaranteed financial reward. He would rather spend time together as a family...how can I argue with that? Also, I have not personally used the products, and was not totally comfortable with promoting them yet. Hence, the idea of the blog.
I love to write. I compose in my head all day long. :) It's fun. Also, it will help me document what I am doing. I have researched whether I will be spending more money or not, but this blog will help hold me accountable, and I like that. My hope is that this company really does have products that are good for you and will help you have a healthy life. I also hope that God will use this blog to help me make some money by referring others to this company. But, above all, I hope to glorify Him and stay in His will.
I will be ordering products from this company every month and will write about my experiences with each product. They sell over 350 products from laundry detergent to vitamins and I am excited to turn my house into a chemical free zone. :) I will compare the prices from my local Walmart with the prices this company offers. I also plan on publishing healthy snack recipes and other things that will help families get healthy. I have had too many people I know and love fight battles with diseases like cancer...this is heavy on my heart. Anyway, I hope you join me and have some fun in the process.
I have been reading through Created to be His Helpmeet (and it has totally changed my thinking and my marriage for the better...wish I had it 15 years ago!) and have been praying about what my vineyard could be. Proverbs 31 talks about the wife of noble character who buys some land and plants a profitable vineyard. I was hoping Kindermusik was going to be that profitable vineyard, but when the economy tanked, it did too. So, time to move on...
I have a very strong desire to be home and available for my children! This is why I am subbing, and it has worked well but is not consistent. Although, God has used it to make the car payment EVERY month - even months when school has vacations. I just need to deal with the inconsistency and thank God for His provision!! :) So much for short...anyway, I am always looking for employment opportunities to earn some extra money and stumbled across an ad in a Christian magazine we get. Turns out it was for this "green" company that has been around for 24 years and has a great reputation. I talked with the lady who placed the ad several times and watched a webcast about the company.
Before diving head on into holding parties, etc., I talked with Duane. One MAJOR thing I have learned from Created to be His Helpmeet is that wives are to submit to their husbands. This is not a popular idea in our culture, but me learning to submit has changed my marriage completely. So, I do nothing without Duane's input. He does not like the idea of me spending lots of time and energy on something that does not have a guaranteed financial reward. He would rather spend time together as a family...how can I argue with that? Also, I have not personally used the products, and was not totally comfortable with promoting them yet. Hence, the idea of the blog.
I love to write. I compose in my head all day long. :) It's fun. Also, it will help me document what I am doing. I have researched whether I will be spending more money or not, but this blog will help hold me accountable, and I like that. My hope is that this company really does have products that are good for you and will help you have a healthy life. I also hope that God will use this blog to help me make some money by referring others to this company. But, above all, I hope to glorify Him and stay in His will.
I will be ordering products from this company every month and will write about my experiences with each product. They sell over 350 products from laundry detergent to vitamins and I am excited to turn my house into a chemical free zone. :) I will compare the prices from my local Walmart with the prices this company offers. I also plan on publishing healthy snack recipes and other things that will help families get healthy. I have had too many people I know and love fight battles with diseases like cancer...this is heavy on my heart. Anyway, I hope you join me and have some fun in the process.
My Story
I thought I should give you a little background...almost exactly five years ago my health journey began. My family spent the weekend in Phoenix, and I participated in a junk food binge that my body deeply resented. I spent the next 3 weeks unable to be away from the toilet-if you know what I mean. My doctor prescribed yogurt, pepto, and Metamucil to be taken at the same time and I was finally regular again. I had no idea of what probiotics or fiber were, but God was about to introduce me to the world of healthy eating, and nothing has been the same sense.
I discovered Jordan Rubin, who wrote The Maker's Diet and The Great Physician's RX for Health and Wellness, on tv while up in the wee hours with Will. That brought about a battle between eating healthier/organic and staying within the budget. Now, 4.5 years later, we are much healthier and staying in our budget - mostly. :) I even make my own probiotics at home which we eat in smoothies. It is quite simple - really! We have not totally switched to all natural products, but it looks like now may be the time...
I discovered Jordan Rubin, who wrote The Maker's Diet and The Great Physician's RX for Health and Wellness, on tv while up in the wee hours with Will. That brought about a battle between eating healthier/organic and staying within the budget. Now, 4.5 years later, we are much healthier and staying in our budget - mostly. :) I even make my own probiotics at home which we eat in smoothies. It is quite simple - really! We have not totally switched to all natural products, but it looks like now may be the time...
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