After losing my husband to cancer, my quest to pursue wellness for myself and my young kids was very important to me. I wanted to do what I could to use non toxic products in my home that didn’t burden our bodies unnecessarily. I am the gatekeeper of my home, so what comes in is generally because I have allowed it.
Toxins can be hidden in the most unexpected places, and I was surprised to learn that the things I was using to make my house smell good could be dangerous.
Candles, Air Fresheners, Plug-ins, Oh My!
I love the smell and the ambiance they give. I used to burn candles all the time and have an air freshener in the bathroom. I would look for a sale on my favorite scents, so I would never run out. As I learned more about a non toxic lifestyle, I was alarmed to realize I was using products that were harmful to our health.
Read more...I injured my shoulder this fall.
It didn’t happen suddenly, it kind of crept up on me. I started feeling discomfort, and instead of stopping what was causing the discomfort, I kept going, thinking it would go away.
It didn’t.
Eventually the discomfort turned to pain. It kept getting worse, and I had to almost completely stop using my right arm because I was in so much pain - pain washing my hair, pain playing the piano, pain chopping vegetables, pain reaching for something, pain doing normal, everyday things.
In January, I decided it was time to get it checked out. After doctor’s visits and X-rays, I am thankful to report that I don’t have permanent damage. Just a strained rotator cuff that requires physical therapy.
Read more...Sticking to a budget can be challenging as a young widow. There are many expenses that we have no control over, but the grocery budget is one area that I found I can bring my monthly expenses down. I have control over what I buy, and when meal planning is applied, it can make such a difference in this area. Today I am sharing three easy, versatile, kid friendly recipes that are easy on the budget.
Black Bean Soup
2 16 oz. cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 ½ c. chicken broth
1 c. chunky salsa
1 tsp. ground cumin
Read more...As a mom of two, I understand the challenge of simplifying and embracing a frugal lifestyle while also prioritizing the removal of toxins from our home. It would have been so much easier to stick to the familiar products I was used to, but deep down, I knew they weren't safe for my family. That's when I made the decision to take charge and make a change. I couldn't keep bringing harmful products into our home when I had the power to choose safer alternatives. Buying nontoxic cleaning products from the store would have been convenient, but it was also expensive, and as a widow, every penny counted. That's when I discovered the incredible versatility of white vinegar for cleaning. But I didn't stop there. I delved even further and found another amazing pantry staple that could also be used for cleaning.
Read more...My journey towards a healthier lifestyle began well before I had kids, but became much more urgent after my husband passed. I have always enjoyed healthy food and exercising, but I didn’t know that products I used every day could be harmful to our health. My desire to have less toxic cleaning ingredients actually began as a desire to simplify what I used and save money. Join me as I share my frugal and budget-friendly tips for making your own cleaning products, starting with something you probably have in your cupboard. It's incredible how one simple ingredient can clean almost your entire house without the worry of harmful side effects. Let's take this journey together towards a safer and healthier home!
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