In high school if someone had told me, "When you are 21 you will be eating healthy, using homemade natural products for just about everything, and you will have purged your house of all store bought medication." I would have told you that you were out of your dang mind! But that's now my reality.
It is astounding the changes that I have made in my life. I used to be the go to girl for medication. Excedrin was my best friend because I constantly get migraines. I never thought I would throw a bottle of Excedrin away. But that is exactly what I did last night. I have only been into the essential oil world for a few weeks now and I am head over heels in love with it! Why use man-made drugs when God has provided all the medicine you need in the Earth? I'm just astounded and in awe of everything essential oils can do.
I was recently officially diagnosed with PCOS. Many people told me how sorry they were, but I can not express how overjoyed I am to just be able to know what is going wrong and knowing I can be proactive by using essential oils and being healthy enough to still be able to get pregnant. My heart breaks for women that have unexplained infertility. The burden of not knowing what is wrong is terrifying and those are the women I really look up to. Because they are fighting such an incredible battle and they don't even know what they are fighting against. Such brave, strong women.
Before I even considered the fact that I could have PCOS, I started the paleo diet just to lose weight. I eventually fell in love with it and decided to make a permanent lifestyle change. There is no way this wasn't God working in my life. I am not one to stick to a diet. Especially considering how tough paleo is known to be. But I find it very easy. Thank goodness I do, because the paleo diet is almost identical to the diet for PCOS. If I hadn't already been on paleo I feel this would have been an extremely hard change for me. It would have meant giving up things I love for an illness. But that's not how I felt. Because I am on paleo it was almost just like any other day for me. I did not have to change a thing. How awesome is our God that He was able to change the outcome of my emotional response just by putting the will to do paleo in my life? SO AWESOME! =]
As I sit here thinking about who I am and who I used to be I don't regret a thing. I don't regret the horribly unhealthy food and medicine I put in my body daily. I don't regret the bad habits. I don't regret the mistakes or the hard times. Without them I wouldn't be me and I wouldn't have come so far. I am proud of everything I am now and I am thankful for the trials in my life to help me get to this point.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Sunday, February 2, 2014
How to Become More Awesome!
A lot of people have been messaging me asking me my process for doing some of the new stuff I've been trying out. Well, I figured a blog might be a good idea. haha. Let me make one thing clear first though... I am still a total NOOB at this! I'm still trying new things and different ways of doing stuff. But, this is how I am doing things right now and it is going great so far!
Oil Pulling
I have been oil pulling for a couple weeks now I guess. I absolutely love it! It has strengthened my gums and whitened my teeth! Every morning before I do anything else I brush my teeth with water and I floss. Then I take about 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and swish it in my mouth for twenty minutes while I wash my face and shower. Be sure not to swallow this because it becomes toxic as it pulls the harmful bacteria from your mouth! When I'm done I spit it out in a paper cup and rinse my mouth with water. You do not want to pour the oil down a drain! It will harden and can clog your drains up. If you can't handle the texture or taste of the coconut oil you can use another oil like sunflower or sesame oil. Just make sure you get a good organic one. You can also start off with a smaller amount of oil and swish for a shorter time period and slowly build up your tolerance for it.
Some known benefits of oil pulling:
-Strengthens gums, jaws, and teeth
-Whitens teeth
-prevents cavities
-Increases energy
-prevents bad breath
-clears sinuses
There are MANY more benefits but those are my top faves. Oil pulling does not mean you have to stop using toothpaste by any means! That is just the way I have decided to approach it.
Day 1 Day 15(ish)
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No 'Poo Method
I am totally excited about never using shampoo again! My hair feels great and I believe it is growing a lot faster now as well! I chose to keep it simple when approaching this method. I have a container of baking soda in my shower and I scoop out about 2-3 tablespoons into a cup before I get in the shower. You may need more or less depending on your hair length and thickness. Mine is pretty thick but it's also just shoulder length. I make sure when putting the baking soda on my hair to focus mostly on the roots. I rinse with water then I fill a cup with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and water. I dip the end of my hair in the cup for about 30 seconds then pour it all over my hair. Then rinse and I'm done! Trust me when I say after doing this your hair will feel pretty rough while it's wet, but as soon as it starts to dry it will soften up and feel magnificent! There is a period of transition while your hair adjusts to not using shampoo anymore which can be annoying because it can get pretty oily. Tough it out during this period! It is so worth it! =D
Benefits of going no 'poo
-No harmful chemicals!
-Your scalp will not over produce oils anymore since shampoo won't be stripping it of its
natural oils. Meaning you won't have to wash your hair as much.
-Softer hair with less or no frizz
-Stronger hair
Almost 2 weeks into no 'poo
Coconut oil deep conditioning hair mask
I have only done this once since going no 'poo. It was a littler harder, but it worked out just fine. You can do this a few different ways. I put the coconut oil all over my hair as much as I could without soaking it. I then tied it up in a bun and kept it in for about 3 or 4 hours. You can leave it on for a much shorter period or you can leave it on all night. That's completely up to you. I read all over the place to wash the coconut oil out with regular shampoo. But I have none so I just went for it with the baking soda. I washed my hair 3 times with 2 tablespoons of baking soda that night. My hair was still slightly oily when I woke up, so I washed it 2 more times that morning and it took that oily feeling away and left my hair perfectly soft. This is something I think is really important to do if you have dry hair especially while doing the no 'poo method. Or if you just want super silky hair!
If you want to find any of the other natural homemade recipes I've been doing I found them and re-pinned them on pinterest! Like i said earlier, I am still a noob! I've only been dabbling in this stuff for a couple of years and I'm just now getting serious about it. But i have done quite a bit of research and I'm totally satisfied with everything I've done!
I encourage you to make changes like these in your life! It is so worth it not only because of getting rid of all the harmful chemicals, but because you are in complete control of the products you are using and what is being put in your system!
Oil Pulling
I have been oil pulling for a couple weeks now I guess. I absolutely love it! It has strengthened my gums and whitened my teeth! Every morning before I do anything else I brush my teeth with water and I floss. Then I take about 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and swish it in my mouth for twenty minutes while I wash my face and shower. Be sure not to swallow this because it becomes toxic as it pulls the harmful bacteria from your mouth! When I'm done I spit it out in a paper cup and rinse my mouth with water. You do not want to pour the oil down a drain! It will harden and can clog your drains up. If you can't handle the texture or taste of the coconut oil you can use another oil like sunflower or sesame oil. Just make sure you get a good organic one. You can also start off with a smaller amount of oil and swish for a shorter time period and slowly build up your tolerance for it.
Some known benefits of oil pulling:
-Strengthens gums, jaws, and teeth
-Whitens teeth
-prevents cavities
-Increases energy
-prevents bad breath
-clears sinuses
There are MANY more benefits but those are my top faves. Oil pulling does not mean you have to stop using toothpaste by any means! That is just the way I have decided to approach it.
Day 1 Day 15(ish)
No 'Poo Method
I am totally excited about never using shampoo again! My hair feels great and I believe it is growing a lot faster now as well! I chose to keep it simple when approaching this method. I have a container of baking soda in my shower and I scoop out about 2-3 tablespoons into a cup before I get in the shower. You may need more or less depending on your hair length and thickness. Mine is pretty thick but it's also just shoulder length. I make sure when putting the baking soda on my hair to focus mostly on the roots. I rinse with water then I fill a cup with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and water. I dip the end of my hair in the cup for about 30 seconds then pour it all over my hair. Then rinse and I'm done! Trust me when I say after doing this your hair will feel pretty rough while it's wet, but as soon as it starts to dry it will soften up and feel magnificent! There is a period of transition while your hair adjusts to not using shampoo anymore which can be annoying because it can get pretty oily. Tough it out during this period! It is so worth it! =D
Benefits of going no 'poo
-No harmful chemicals!
-Your scalp will not over produce oils anymore since shampoo won't be stripping it of its
natural oils. Meaning you won't have to wash your hair as much.
-Softer hair with less or no frizz
-Stronger hair
Almost 2 weeks into no 'poo
Coconut oil deep conditioning hair mask
I have only done this once since going no 'poo. It was a littler harder, but it worked out just fine. You can do this a few different ways. I put the coconut oil all over my hair as much as I could without soaking it. I then tied it up in a bun and kept it in for about 3 or 4 hours. You can leave it on for a much shorter period or you can leave it on all night. That's completely up to you. I read all over the place to wash the coconut oil out with regular shampoo. But I have none so I just went for it with the baking soda. I washed my hair 3 times with 2 tablespoons of baking soda that night. My hair was still slightly oily when I woke up, so I washed it 2 more times that morning and it took that oily feeling away and left my hair perfectly soft. This is something I think is really important to do if you have dry hair especially while doing the no 'poo method. Or if you just want super silky hair!
I encourage you to make changes like these in your life! It is so worth it not only because of getting rid of all the harmful chemicals, but because you are in complete control of the products you are using and what is being put in your system!
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Transforming my Life!
The last couple of years I've been slowly getting into making my own cleaning and beauty products. The goal is to not have to use any products in my house with gross chemicals. This year I've decided I'm going to really kick it into gear and go all out to transforming my life to a natural and healthy lifestyle!
Two days ago I started oil pulling with coconut oil and my teeth feel just as clean if not cleaner than when I used toothpaste. This is incredible! I'm anxious to see the results as the weeks go by! It is kind of hard to get used to the texture of the oil but it only takes about 30 seconds for it to melt then I shower while I swish it around in my mouth and I don't really notice it after the first few minutes. I've been taking daily photos so I'm going to eventually make a collage to see the progression. =]
Today, I officially went the "no 'poo" route! This means that I have cut shampoo out of my life for good! The chemicals in hair care products are out of control! Besides, natural products work so much better! I'm now washing my hair with baking soda and using apple cider vinegar for conditioner. I'm extremely excited to see my hair retain some of those natural oils it needs to be healthy that shampoo washes away!
These two things were big steps for me! My next step is to make my own deoderant and make-up!
Currently, my natural homemade products and routines include:
-Oil pulling with coconut oil
-The "no 'poo" method of cleansing my hair
-laundry detergent
-cleaning products
-bath scrub
-facial cleanser
That list needs to be longer, but I'm so proud of myself for making these changes in my life! I encourage you to do the same. The sense of accomplishment and pride in creating your own products from natural resources is an incredible feeling!
Two days ago I started oil pulling with coconut oil and my teeth feel just as clean if not cleaner than when I used toothpaste. This is incredible! I'm anxious to see the results as the weeks go by! It is kind of hard to get used to the texture of the oil but it only takes about 30 seconds for it to melt then I shower while I swish it around in my mouth and I don't really notice it after the first few minutes. I've been taking daily photos so I'm going to eventually make a collage to see the progression. =]
Today, I officially went the "no 'poo" route! This means that I have cut shampoo out of my life for good! The chemicals in hair care products are out of control! Besides, natural products work so much better! I'm now washing my hair with baking soda and using apple cider vinegar for conditioner. I'm extremely excited to see my hair retain some of those natural oils it needs to be healthy that shampoo washes away!
These two things were big steps for me! My next step is to make my own deoderant and make-up!
Currently, my natural homemade products and routines include:
-Oil pulling with coconut oil
-The "no 'poo" method of cleansing my hair
-laundry detergent
-cleaning products
-bath scrub
-facial cleanser
That list needs to be longer, but I'm so proud of myself for making these changes in my life! I encourage you to do the same. The sense of accomplishment and pride in creating your own products from natural resources is an incredible feeling!
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Forgotten Memories Resurface
I have been slowly sorting through everything in our storage and house. I really want to try to get rid of a lot of our stuff. Me and Joey are quite the pack rats. Joey likes to find cool little toys and then we keep them forever. And I have two closets of clothes and shoes. My goal is to get rid of half of my stuff. We will be PCSing back to the states in 1 year and I need to clean out our junk if I'm going to find room for awesome Japanese stuff!
Although I hate getting rid of stuff, I do enjoy the process. I'm a slow organizer. Mainly because I find old journals and pictures and just sit thinking about old memories for hours. The job gets done eventually. haha
My favorite findings have been my journals from the worst times of my life (dating a guy that brought a gun to school.... my rebellious period.... emotionally abusive boyfriends..... losing the closest friends I ever had.....). These moments were absolutely horrible. But, they were absolutely necessary. They were my stepping stones. And going over these journals I just want to scream at old me to get out of those situations. But, if those hadn't have happened I would never have grown as a person and realized what I really needed in life was Jesus. I would have probably just become a "Sunday Christian" and never given it a second thought. But, because of all the bad that happened to me and how broken I was, I was able to crawl back to my Lord and receive grace. I also don't think everyone gets broken the same way. Not everyone has to have a ridiculously horrible experience to find Jesus. It just depends on the person. I was a little more stubborn than most people haha. Everyone's testimony is different, but all end the same way.... Grace.
I am SO thankful I kept committed to writing my journals. Although, I can't find some of them, I am glad for what I was able to keep. I also wish I would have continued writing daily. I stopped writing in my journals around my senior year... Now I realize how special they can be and I plan on starting again. It's just so cool to be able to go back for a minute and live in those moments again. I feel like I've gained lost memories and emotions back. It's a very cool feeling.
Although I hate getting rid of stuff, I do enjoy the process. I'm a slow organizer. Mainly because I find old journals and pictures and just sit thinking about old memories for hours. The job gets done eventually. haha
My favorite findings have been my journals from the worst times of my life (dating a guy that brought a gun to school.... my rebellious period.... emotionally abusive boyfriends..... losing the closest friends I ever had.....). These moments were absolutely horrible. But, they were absolutely necessary. They were my stepping stones. And going over these journals I just want to scream at old me to get out of those situations. But, if those hadn't have happened I would never have grown as a person and realized what I really needed in life was Jesus. I would have probably just become a "Sunday Christian" and never given it a second thought. But, because of all the bad that happened to me and how broken I was, I was able to crawl back to my Lord and receive grace. I also don't think everyone gets broken the same way. Not everyone has to have a ridiculously horrible experience to find Jesus. It just depends on the person. I was a little more stubborn than most people haha. Everyone's testimony is different, but all end the same way.... Grace.
I am SO thankful I kept committed to writing my journals. Although, I can't find some of them, I am glad for what I was able to keep. I also wish I would have continued writing daily. I stopped writing in my journals around my senior year... Now I realize how special they can be and I plan on starting again. It's just so cool to be able to go back for a minute and live in those moments again. I feel like I've gained lost memories and emotions back. It's a very cool feeling.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Moving Forward From Fear
I was going to start off this blog with explaining my past in detail. My history which defines who I have become. But I really don't want to go into this again. So here's the short version.
-I am a Christian and love my Lord and Savior with all my heart.
-I am an Air Force wife.
-I live in Japan.
-I am 21
-I've had 2 miscarriages.
-I had HORRIBLE morning sickness with my second pregnancy meaning I couldn't even keep water down.
-I hurt my back extremely bad from throwing up so much.
-A year later and I still have an injured back.
-I believe I have PCOS, but I have not been to the doctor yet. I will know for sure within a couple of weeks.
-My husband is currently deployed in Guam. Yes it is still considered a deployment even though it is a US territory because he will end up being there a total of 6 months.
Ok, I think that about covers it. I will not lie, this has been the hardest time of my life. I never thought I would go through this much heartbreak at only 21. But God has a different plan for everyone and I am blessed that He has given me this path even with all the pain and heartbreak. If I had never gone through all this I wouldn't be able to meet and talk with so many other women who have had similar experiences. I have been able to help people cope and share God's love and that is an incredible feeling. But I am still healing and I am constantly falling back into a pit.
I often picture myself as Peter. When he was focused on Jesus the storm could not overtake him. But the SECOND he became frightened of the storm he began to be swallowed by not only the water... but by the fear.
Matthew 25-31
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them:"Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you in the water."
"Come," He said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
My incredible husband, Joey, often tells me we can not live in fear when trying to get pregnant. I struggle with this because after 2 miscarriages the fear of a 3rd is overpowering. But we can not live like that. We can not let the doubt and fear drown us. We must let God be in control. It is so much easier when we just let it go and give it directly to God. He's got this.
-I am a Christian and love my Lord and Savior with all my heart.
-I am an Air Force wife.
-I live in Japan.
-I am 21
-I've had 2 miscarriages.
-I had HORRIBLE morning sickness with my second pregnancy meaning I couldn't even keep water down.
-I hurt my back extremely bad from throwing up so much.
-A year later and I still have an injured back.
-I believe I have PCOS, but I have not been to the doctor yet. I will know for sure within a couple of weeks.
-My husband is currently deployed in Guam. Yes it is still considered a deployment even though it is a US territory because he will end up being there a total of 6 months.
Ok, I think that about covers it. I will not lie, this has been the hardest time of my life. I never thought I would go through this much heartbreak at only 21. But God has a different plan for everyone and I am blessed that He has given me this path even with all the pain and heartbreak. If I had never gone through all this I wouldn't be able to meet and talk with so many other women who have had similar experiences. I have been able to help people cope and share God's love and that is an incredible feeling. But I am still healing and I am constantly falling back into a pit.
I often picture myself as Peter. When he was focused on Jesus the storm could not overtake him. But the SECOND he became frightened of the storm he began to be swallowed by not only the water... but by the fear.
Matthew 25-31
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them:"Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you in the water."
"Come," He said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
My incredible husband, Joey, often tells me we can not live in fear when trying to get pregnant. I struggle with this because after 2 miscarriages the fear of a 3rd is overpowering. But we can not live like that. We can not let the doubt and fear drown us. We must let God be in control. It is so much easier when we just let it go and give it directly to God. He's got this.
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