Mini Spa Set

I recently added a line of all natural healthy and beauty products to my wellness industry. I am excited about this so much! It is so important to use safe and healthy ingredients on your skin.
Our skin absorbs everything and is our largest organ. We need to put safe products on our skin!
Check out this beautiful new gift set. This one features a handmade soap and sugar scrub. Order here and we can customize. 

The Guts and Glory

This week I have been reviewing and reading a new book co authored by Jordan Rubin. Dr. Rubin had incredible health problems and came out of this horrible experience and now is on a mission to help restore the health of other people. This new book is called, "Restoring Your Digestive Health".
He talks about a program called the Guts and Glory:
THE GUTS AND GLORY PROGRAM HELPS HEAL:

• Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Gluten and lactose intolerance
• Candida (yeast) infections
• Food allergies
• Recurring or persistent nausea
• Chronic constipation
• Urinary tract infections
• And many other serious ailments


From the Foreword:Restoring Your Digestive Health: How the Guts and Glory Program Can Transform Your Life offers new hope and help to the millions of people who are suffering from digestive disorders and are tired of treatments that do not address the causal factors responsible for their disease. In this book, Jordan Rubin and Joseph Brasco give not only a guided tour of the major reasons why our guts revolt against our modern ways of living, but step-by-step directions on how to reverse gastrointestinal complaints. 
This book is awesome.....check it out !!


http://www.amazon.com/Restoring-Your-Digestive-Health-Transfom/dp/0758202822

Life Choices on food

This week I have personally experienced what little choices can go a very long way in over all health and wellness. We had my husband's family visiting from out of town and while here his grandfather experienced a heart attack. It was incredibly stressful and sent us all in a panic. They were able to save his life and he had three stints put in to clear some of the blockages. However, they were not able to travel back home for a week. So they stayed with us while he recovered. This is when I experienced one of the greatest frustrations I have seen in long time. Just three days after experiencing a heart attack the man was eating KFC. I began to probe into their diet and found that even though he had this condition for some time his diet was still very high in sodium, preserved tv dinners, and a ton of options using hydrogenated oils and preservatives. These are huge contributing factors in developing health problems, yet people are uneducated in what they are consuming.
Most consumers buy cream for their coffee on a daily basis. Seems simple enough, right? Not really. Most creams are packed with preservatives and hydrogenated products. Look at the label. It should say milk and or cream. If anything else is added to it and you can not pronounce the word, it is basically bad for you over the long haul. That would be a product you use every single day multiple times. Those are the things you need to watch out for in consuming. It is hard to do a complete and radical all organic lifestyle for some, I get that, I have heard everyone's rational on this from one extreme to the other. Some love it, some cant afford it, it is a tough call. I always say, you will pay a few cents extra now or pay later with medical conditions.

But start small in your daily choices if this is too much to process,think of what you consume daily and what you consume the most of weekly. Start by choosing fresh veggies and fruit over canned. Try to stick to grass-fed meat or organic. Dairy is also huge for ensuring you go hormone free.
Label reading is very important and key if you want to obtain overall health. Most people do not realize that even little things like added cream can be a problem. It is not the cream, it is the products used in the cream that are meant to sustain it for "months" that are an issue. Dairy should not last that long. It is like the commercial when the little girl says, "mom, what is non dairy creamer?" EXACTLY....my point.
Life choices are important especially in food intake. Food is fuel. Food is key for optimal performance and longevity. And most importantly you have to want it. Change will not happen until you want it to happen for you. Make better choices, your life depends on it.

Weight loss coaching and life coaching are available by visiting:  mylittlelifecoach.com

Honey Sugar Scrub

I love sugar scrubs! There is one thing you and your skin needs every once in awhile, and that is some at home pampering. Here is a really quick, inexpensive way to make your favorite honey sugar scrub!

1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1/2 cup of honey
1 TBSP of water
4 drops of essential oil (lavender, lemon, or orange)

Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. While showering smooth over skin and massage. This will smooth away dirt, dull and dry skin. Rinse off and pat dry. Have fun and enjoy doing something nice for you!

Great "green" smoothie!

If you have a Vita- Mix this is an amazing and refreshing summer smoothie, that can be enjoyed any time!
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup pineapple
1/2 medium banana
2 cups fresh and washed spinach
1/2 cup ice cubes

Place all ingredients into the vita mix. Turn on machine and increase speed to max 10 then down to high. Blend your smoothie for about 45 seconds.

Smoothies are an excellent way to get added nutrients and vitamins to your diet. Check out VitaMix.com for more great recipes.
photo credit: vitamix.com

Thinking about Health

Most people do not think about their health until they are already sick or their body is in such a toxic state they have a deadly disease. It is so important to start thinking daily about health. Health is more than physically being in great shape. Recently I held a seminar on the importance of overall health in three major areas: physically, emotionally and spiritually. Finding a balance is really so key to live a healthy and full life. One can be physically in the best shape pf their life but their inside person can be a complete mess.
There are certain active steps that can be taken in ensuring you are giving time needed to the most important areas in your life.
1. Recognize you need to be more proactive and use your mind to think about your responsibility that you have to keep your health in check.
2. Take time for solitude to recharge and mediate on peace and goodness.
3. Take breaks often.
4. Create healthy meals for yourself and your family in spare time.
5. Research food items and read labels. Take it serious when you are consuming food, that you know what is in the ingredients.
No one will take it more serious than you to make sure you have a healthy life. Do not wait until you are sick to change.

Skin care- what is healthy? Skin is your largest organ.

There are many products on the market that offer cosmetics, and creams that are actually more damaging to your skin and your overall health than many realize. The toxic elements and ingredients found in most cosmetics would make you sick. Most brands use an element of mineral oil that should be banned. Mineral oil is just a derivative of motor oil. You would never slather motor oil all over your body but when you use lotions, makeup, and other beauty products which you are not aware of the ingredients, you are subjecting yourself to incredible health hazards. Baby products are even under scrutiny and investigation because products displaying "all natural and safe" for baby, are not even safe and are using carcinogens as preservatives. Carcinogens over time cause cancer.
Women are not looking into this like they should when purchasing their make-up. What you put on your skin gets into your blood stream. Lotions, perfume, make-up, shampoo, etc....it is all ending up in your body. Can you imagine how toxic your system is right now from years of unknowing damage?Unless you change something quickly, you can be making yourself very sick.

There are science backed nutrients that are good for you skin and healthy for you!
- Omega 3's help soothe skin from the inside out, this also has amazing digestive benefits to ensure you are ridding your body of toxic elements. Aging occurs over time when the skin is not moisturized and taken care of from the inside.
-Probiotics- These can help balance your digestive tract, and in some cases will help fight skin problems, such as dermatitis.
-Collagen, Vitamin A, C, and E- These all support skin and overall cell health and production.
-Green Tea and Lycopene can prevent damage from UV rays and fight off cancer.
There are healthy products on the market for better skin-care. Look into what you are putting on your face because it is getting into your body.
If you are interested in healthy beauty products please visit the following site and you can place an order online. All of these products are gluten free, certified vegan, and plant based.
http://purehealthybeauty.myarbonne.com/

Morning Sickness Myth

Morning sickness...is not just in the morning. Many women suffer from this in the evenings, or even through out the day. Morning sickness is not how women want to spend their days dreaming of their new baby. In some cases it can be very emotionally and physically draining. Some women actually lose weight due to the intensity. Most ob-gyn's will suggest medication if it is severe enough. However, for those who wish to not take drugs there are some alternative things that can aide but not necessarily remove the sickness.
Suggestions :
Herbal teas: Fennel (which has a licorice flavor) and Ginger Peppermint
Ginger Chews or Ginger Gum
Eat small meals through out the day to keep your stomach from getting empty.
Drink water to keep from dehydrating.
Add a slice of citrus fruit to your water to flavor it. (lemons, oranges, limes)

These all can help with some of the symptoms but morning sickness affects every woman differently. Try your best to get some rest and know that this is not going to last forever. Find a natural or homeopathic center near you that you can talk to someone about your options before taking medication.
Ginger products
Herbal Tea to Order

Raw Honey for allergies and disease prevention

Honey is more than just a sweetener for your tea or toast. Honey has healing properties and is packed full of vitamins that can help your skin and hair.


Purchase raw honey if your going to take it internally. Raw honey in its natural state is the best for your body because it has the materials and vitamins your body needs to combat allergies. If you have hayfever start to take 1-2 tablespoons of raw honey every day. Honey contains the pollen that you may have allergies with and your body can start to build of a resistance to the pollen. Buy the raw honey from local farmers in your area because that is where you can not only support them but combat the allergies in your area.






In helping fight off disease honey is used as preventative in this case. Honey has vitamins and nutrients your body needs to stay strong and keep a healthy immune system. Taking honey on a daily basis in it's raw state is one of the best things you can do for additional calcium, zinc, and magnesium.

Read more: How to Use Honey to Combat Disease and Allergies | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5451261_use-honey-combat-disease-allergies.html#ixzz1FsKtvWRP

Fighting off post holiday depression

There is so much hype and excitement in the weeks prior to Christmas. However, afterwards there tends to be long winter months that may lead to depression. Depression can be treated naturally. Extreme cases may need medication. However, mild to moderate cases of depression can be treated with alternative measures.
Some ways to beat depression and get through the winter months.
1. Continue to get exercise. If you can not be outside, try to get to a gym or workout in small spaces of time indoors. Exercise is important to keep your mind and body healthy. Even if your walking it is better than doing nothing at all.
2. Take vitamins and incorporate more Vitamin D. Certain vitamin defiencies from an unhealthy diet can lead to depression. Also take Omega 3 as a daily supplement.
3. Watch what your eating and drinking. Caffeine and alcohol can deplete serotonin levels. An imbalance of serotonin can lead to depression.
4. Make sure you balance your diet and as many fruits and vegetables as you can. These are very high in antioxidants and help prevent disease and give you energy.
5. Get enough sleep. Sleep is a way that your body can restore itself. If your not getting enough sleep your body will break down over time.
6. Herbal remedies are extremely effective. St. Johns Wort for example has very few side effects and in many cases just as effective as a prescription. By taking this route is also allows you to be in control of what your putting into your body and your treatment.


More information and articles below for your own research:
Serotonin and Depression
Vitamins for Depression
How to Survive the Mid-Winter Blues

Bee Stings Hurt! Relief Is....WHERE?

Some people are highly allergic to bee stings and need to seek medical attention right away or they could die if the reaction is bad enough. However, for those who are not allergic to a sting,  they are still incredibly painful and sometimes hard to avoid if you find yourself outdoors often.

Here are some quick and natural relievers you may have laying around your home:

Onion- Slice an onion and hold or tape it on the sting for about an hour.

Baking Soda- Make a paste with a little water and apply to area of sting.

Apple Cider Vinegar- Place a small amount on a cotton swab and rub over the sting.

Lavender Oil- Apply one small drop to affected area. This is only a spot treatment and should not be used in large areas. 

Meat Tenderizer- The kind you use in cooking is perfect for making a paste and applying it to the sting to provide relief. 

*Keep in mind if you have serious allergies to bee stings seek medical help.

Keeping Your Focus During Stressful Times

Life can throw you through a few up' s and down' s when you least expect it. When your already down though and you feel that just one more thing is going to send you over the edge and you wonder how can you keep your focus in the midst of all the turmoil ... these ideas will hopefully help.


1. First of all in the midst of turmoil and confusion you absolutely must set aside even 5-10 minutes for yourself. The quietness will allow you to refocus to try to calm your nerves. Your mind may not be able to turn itself off during this time, however, a few minutes to separate from the normal routine will do you some good. A few ideas for this could be as simple as take a brief walk, close your bedroom door and relax for 5 minutes, or even take a warm bath.
2. Try to bring clarity to your situation. Stress can cause you to act like a different person. You may be the most organized and all together person, but under stress you may be forgetting to put your shoes on. Stress and turmoil over circumstances can cause impatience, anger, health problems, financial irresponsibility, etc...It is highly important you get a pen and paper and write down a few things you can do to help get you out of the situation. 
3. I urge you to seek guidance from a trusted friend or advisor. Look for something that can give you peace, even for a few minutes. Read a Bible or a favorite book, listen to music, call a friend who you know will be positive. Most importantly try to take these breaks frequently throughout the day even if for 5 minutes. Your mind is a huge battleground for negative and overwhelming thoughts and stressful times are the hardest on someone and their overall wellness.


Herbs to help combat stress,give mental clarity, and or provide relaxation: Holy Basil, Valerian, and Chamomile

More on Holy Basil

A pain in your stomach? Treat it naturally!

Digestive issues can be a big problem if this is an issue you deal with chronically. Bloating, gas, heartburn, stomach aches and pains can be helped by using herbal remedies. It is important that you treat the pain as a sign that there is a problem with in your body and you need to address this...not just pop a pill that can hold you over till the next episode.

Herbal remedies are safe, effective, and easy on your body. Here are just a few to consider as you do your own research and talk to an herbalist or natural pharmacist in your area about what is best for you.

Cinnamon- Aids in digestion, and also is effective in treating gas.

Fennel- Eases heartburn, gas, and stomach pain. 

Flax- Reduces inflammation in your GI tract and the seeds can be eaten raw.

Ginger- Soothes stomach when suffering from bloating, nausea, gas, and irritable bowel. 

Juniper-Consume before eating your meals to stimulate the stomach acid. 

Peppermint- It relaxes the stomach muscles and relieves cramping. Helpful with bloating, nausea, gas, and indigestion. 

Psyllium- Very high in fiber and makes a great laxative.

Herbs for healing

Herbs can be used in all sorts of forms and administered differently. A great way to incorporate certain herbs are to make a tea and drink it. Always check to see how herbs should be taken before consuming a dosage. Here a few easily used herbs for every day ailments.

Chamomile- Soothes frazzled nerves, lessens anxiety, and has anti-inflammatory effects.
Lavender- Calms and uplifts spirits, eases anxiety, scent promotes elements of comfort.
Cinnamon- Helps the body use insulin more effectively, eases inflammation, and boosts brain activity.
Lemon balm- Eases congestion and stuffiness, calms nerves, and aids in digestion.
Peppermint- Settles upset stomach, aids in digestion.
Rosehip- High in antioxidants, fights colds and flu, high in vitamin C.
Rooibos( South African Red Bush)- Helps relax and ease stress, promotes better sleep, and eases upset stomachs. 
Holy Basil- Aids in depression, and gives mental clarity. 

Please feel free to check out a few more articles and information:
University of Maryland- uses of lavender study.

Vitamin Research on Cinnamon lowering blood sugar and lipids.

Dr. Weil's comments on Holy Basil.

Alternative treatments for Multiple Sclerosis

Up until a month ago I honestly did not know much about MS. I have heard of multiple sclerosis many times but never really thought much about the disease or how it even affected the body. Recently a dear friend of mine whom I have known for over ten years was diagnosed with MS, and I have had many conversations with her and listened to her tell me what she has been dealing with over the past few months. I really felt bad because I did not understand the disease and did not even really know what it was all about. I set out on somewhat of a mission to find out more about the disease and how it can be alternatively treated other than using prescriptive drugs. What I have learned about MS has been very interesting and has also helped me better understand what a dear friend is going through and possibly even be able to help her with some of the information as well.

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic degenerative disease in which the myelin (an electrical insulator) around the brain and spinal cord are damaged. The damage than affects the central nervous system. When you suffer from MS, the bodies immune system actually attacks the myelin and it can not function properly. There are alternative treatments that are available and they are listed as follows below.

The first way to alternatively treat MS is to consider the diet in which you consume on a daily basis. There are two diets that have been named after professors who have studied MS, they are the Swank Diet and the MacDougall Diet. The diets suggest that there be a restriction in saturated fats and eliminating hydrogenated oils from your diet. To keep the body functioning to its best potential these diets recommend having a daily diet that is rich in vegetables, fruit, fish, and certain proteins. The importance of drinking pure water is essential in releasing toxins from the bloodstream. Eliminate any processed foods that contain harmful preservatives that will only release more toxins into your system.

A second alternative approach to MS, is the Wobenzyme N/Proteolytic Enzymes approach. It is impossible to regenerate the damaged tissue caused by MS, this procedure uses enzymes to help stop the progress of destruction to the tissue itself and reduces inflammation.

Another approach to treating MS, is using bee venom. Bee venom is an alternative therapy that stimulates the immune response in the body. This treatment helps the symptoms of MS but it must be understood that it does not reverse the deterioration of the tissue. The patient must be first tested to see if they have an allergy to bee venom.

The last alternative approach could be EAP supplementation therapy. This type of therapy is done by increasing myelin cell membrane polarity and resistance to immune system aggression. By performing this type of procedure it increases "electrical" conduction capabilities.

Source Information: Neurology Channel

Lower your cholesterol naturally

This is one thing that can send many people into a complete frenzy. No one needs one more thing on their plate to worry about and hearing the news from your doctor that your in the "danger zone" can completely ruin your day. There is an option if you want to try lowering it naturally without the use of medication.
Apple Cider Vinegar is a great all natural way to lower your cholesterol. Apple Cider Vinegar has many health benefits but this is a big one! You can choose to incorporate it any way you want to but i recommend you put 1 -2 tablespoons in a glass of water and take it twice a day. Another option would be to add some to your tea or juice in the morning. If your really brave you can take a straight up shot of the stuff, however, doing this creates a strong acid in your stomach and diluting it is much safer for your esophagus.
Apple Cider also is great for acne, strengthening your immune system, helps with detox, and promotes a healthy heart and lungs. Some people have even used this to help them loose weight. The vinegar is an appetite suppressor and fat burner if taken before meals in a glass of water.

Taking ownership in your life and being responsible

There are many people who refuse to grow up and take responsibility serious. It is sad but in some cases they never saw how to be disciplined or taught how to be responsible, however, as an adult you have a choice to change who you are and what you become for the people around you. The first thing that you have to do is realize that you are in fact irresponsible and have a hard time taking ownership in your life. This may not stem from anything you have even done as a child, you may have been brought up in a home where there were no boundaries established and you have no sense of discipline. You can change that though by taking a step towards maturity and responsible behavior. There comes a time in everyone's life where the "blame" game doesn't matter anymore, and you must stop in your tracks and take charge of your actions, behavior, and choices.

1. You must realize that in being responsible and living your life to reflect that means, you have to make different decisions. You have an obligation as a human being in your job, marriage, and relationships to be responsible to those around you. People depend on you and if you fail to show them that you are capable to being responsible, your letting them down. As an adult, you are supposed to be living your life as an example now to those younger than you, your coworkers, your family...it is something you must take seriously.

   Take steps to ensure you make better choices. If you need to seek counseling or have someone in your life that you are accountable to for a little time than do that for yourself and those you love. This is just an example, but if you struggle with finances; take a class on money management. Your life is full of many years and many people who will love you and need you to be a better individual. You must begin to put other people above yourself and your decisions. Every decision you make will affect someone else, make sure you make good decisions so you will make a positive impact with your life.

   And lastly, realize how strong of a person you are and how much God has given you to accomplish in your life. You are the one in charge of what you make of your life. Your the only one who can choose to live healthier, make changes, and be responsible for yourself. Do not let the stress of circumstances keep you from making wise choices, you always have a choice...always!

   How to know if you need counseling

Keep your mind healthy

Just as important as physical health your mind plays a huge role in your emotional and mental health. All three factors really are connected with one another. If your mind is unhealthy your physical and emotional state can be suffering.

Keep your mind stimulated. If you are in a place where you do dont feel like your using your brain to think, reason, or work towards anything that is a very dangerous place to be. Look for ways to use your mind. It could be something as simple as crossword puzzles, reading a book, or reasearching a new subject. This is one thing that is very hard for elderly people with few activities, but the key is to have something that can be worked on daily that can stimulate your thought process and keep you alert.

Focus on positive things in the world around you. There are many things that can seem gloom and doom and cause our brains to almost have an overload. There really is only so much someone can handle at once. Make a list of things that you are looking forward to, that your thankful for, and that you can appreciate in your life.

Do not expose your thoughts and mind to things that are unhealthy. There things that can be addictive which pose a threat to your potential in how you function on a daily basis. These things can creep in when you are vulnerbale and least expect them to be able to take over your life and mind. Examples can be anything from pornography, violence, drugs, or even unhealthy patterns in your life that keep you from living abundantly.

Get involved with those around you in your community or family. If at all possible try to have things that require your attention and involvement. To have activities in which you can communicate and participlate in on a weekly basis are healthy and a wonderful way to use your mind and keep you healthy.