Sunday, February 20, 2011
Tea Tree Oil
CLICK HERE to learn more about tea tree oil. Thought this would be interesting to learn about since it is a key ingredient in the deodorant we made!
Clutter Free and Clean
"Shoot! I know I JUST saw it..." This is a phrase that is used in my home a bit too often. While it's frustrating when something is just plain lost, it can be equally as frustrating when you have that kind of hazy mental image of some place, somewhere in your home, where you kind of remember seeing it. What a feeling of sweet relief when you finally (hopefully!) find what you're looking for. Imagine having that feeling with every item you look for! In theory, that's what de-cluttering and organization does. Everything has a place, and thus you know everything's place. Doesn't this sound like a magical land? The land where everything is perfectly stored and no object is left lingering in a free-zone. No important papers doubling as cup-holders, no keys laying snug between two couch cushions, and no toys laying perfectly aligned between a midnight bathroom walk and your feet.
These lands do exist. For me, they just lay within other people's homes. Well, I think it's time we become "those people!" In the small areas that I have created successful storage and organization, I can vouch for what a stress relief it is. I encourage my daughter to play with the toys that I KNOW are going somewhere. Her "homeless toys" on the other hand, make me cringe at every use. They are kind of my push around toys. I just keep pushing them around hoping they'll settle somewhere and look like they belong. Unfortunately, many of the push around items are my Husband and I's (i.e. a gym bag that my husband uses as a filing cabinet, closet, and office) he needs to be able to access it quickly and with ease, but a gray and black duffel bag doesn't really go with my curtains. I am just as guilty with books I keep meaning to read, clothes I keep meaning to fold and sort, and my Husbands biggest pet peeve: bobby pins that I leave in creepy places throughout the house for fear I may have to walk to the bathroom if I need one.
So let's do it! Let's get organized this spring. The amount of time that will be opened up with easy clean ups and shortened search parties will leave you more time to do what you really enjoy (anything besides cleaning!) Think about it, would you rather clean for 5 minutes (at your leisure), or spend even 30 seconds looking for a missing item (typically in a frantic rush trying to get out the door)? You have my word, I WILL get my home more organized, and I will actually write on that cute little notepad collecting dust on top of my fridge, no need to save it for the world's most important note.
Here are some links with ideas to help you get organized and lose that clutter!
FROM CLUTTER TO ORGANIZED
HGTV's TWO CENTS
A WHOLE WEBSITE DEDICATED TO THE CAUSE
I was going to attach lots of pictures of home organizations, but they are hard to relate to. It's kind of like when you pick a new comforter out from a magazine and can't figure out why your bedroom isn't instantly transformed into a King's estate, or serene paradise. So instead here are bit and pieces of organization ideas I thought were cute.
These lands do exist. For me, they just lay within other people's homes. Well, I think it's time we become "those people!" In the small areas that I have created successful storage and organization, I can vouch for what a stress relief it is. I encourage my daughter to play with the toys that I KNOW are going somewhere. Her "homeless toys" on the other hand, make me cringe at every use. They are kind of my push around toys. I just keep pushing them around hoping they'll settle somewhere and look like they belong. Unfortunately, many of the push around items are my Husband and I's (i.e. a gym bag that my husband uses as a filing cabinet, closet, and office) he needs to be able to access it quickly and with ease, but a gray and black duffel bag doesn't really go with my curtains. I am just as guilty with books I keep meaning to read, clothes I keep meaning to fold and sort, and my Husbands biggest pet peeve: bobby pins that I leave in creepy places throughout the house for fear I may have to walk to the bathroom if I need one.
So let's do it! Let's get organized this spring. The amount of time that will be opened up with easy clean ups and shortened search parties will leave you more time to do what you really enjoy (anything besides cleaning!) Think about it, would you rather clean for 5 minutes (at your leisure), or spend even 30 seconds looking for a missing item (typically in a frantic rush trying to get out the door)? You have my word, I WILL get my home more organized, and I will actually write on that cute little notepad collecting dust on top of my fridge, no need to save it for the world's most important note.
Here are some links with ideas to help you get organized and lose that clutter!
FROM CLUTTER TO ORGANIZED
HGTV's TWO CENTS
A WHOLE WEBSITE DEDICATED TO THE CAUSE
I was going to attach lots of pictures of home organizations, but they are hard to relate to. It's kind of like when you pick a new comforter out from a magazine and can't figure out why your bedroom isn't instantly transformed into a King's estate, or serene paradise. So instead here are bit and pieces of organization ideas I thought were cute.
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| diyideas.com |
 |
| images.meredith.com |
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| If you come in from your garage through your kitchen! s6.thisnext.com |
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| Any old cookie tray would do! |
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| blissfullydomestic.com |
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| That mailbox makes me so happy. JEWELRY ORGANIZATION IDEAS MANY MORE IDEAS ON MARTHA STEWART'S WEBSITE (OF COURSE!) Have more ideas? Share them! Take a picture of YOUR before and after organization and share it! Comment below or e-mail me at naturallynourishing@gmail.com |
Some fitness and Health QUOTES to get you motivated!!
Those who do not find time for exercise will have to find time for illness.
-Earl of Derby
No rest is worth anything except the rest that is earned.
-Jean Paul
Rest is a good thing, but boredom is its brother.
-Voltaire
Health is the thing that makes you feel that now is the best time of year.
-Franklin P. Adams
Look at your health; and if you have it, praise God and value it next to conscience; for health is the second blessing that we morals are capable of, a blessing money can't buy.
-Izaak Walton
Happiness lies, first of all, in health.
-George William Curtis
Have a quote or favorite song that gets you up and motivated in the morning? Share it! Comment below or e-mail me at naturallynourishing@gmail.com
-Earl of Derby
No rest is worth anything except the rest that is earned.
-Jean Paul
 |
| Voltaire. Image from timesonline.typepad.com |
-Voltaire
Health is the thing that makes you feel that now is the best time of year.
-Franklin P. Adams
Look at your health; and if you have it, praise God and value it next to conscience; for health is the second blessing that we morals are capable of, a blessing money can't buy.
-Izaak Walton
Happiness lies, first of all, in health.
-George William Curtis
Have a quote or favorite song that gets you up and motivated in the morning? Share it! Comment below or e-mail me at naturallynourishing@gmail.com
Friday, February 18, 2011
What is a new outdoor activity you can try this spring summer?
Anyone who has been living in a cold climate the past few months is most likely itching to get outdoors. Sometimes it is hard to get motivated though, when you just can't think of what you want to do. Here are some ideas from free- cheap to get you out and moving! Not only will you get extra quality time with your family, you'll burn calories and get some much needed vitamin D. Don't see one of your favorite activities on the list? Add it in the comments below or e-mail me at naturallynourishing@gmail.com.
Mow the yard. Not your idea of a spectacular spring day? CLICK THIS FUN LITTLE GADGET to see an estimate of just how many calories you will burn! Not only will your neighbors (and yard!) thank you, that shiny new bathing suit wont look near as intimidating!
Play Tennis. Feeling far from a pro? When I play tennis I look like an accident. But boy is it fun! This game is very versatile because many courts are lit at dawn/dusk which gives you a lot more flexibility on play time. Using the rain as an excuse to miss a match? Head to your local community center to play indoors! CLICK HERE to compute calories burned. Looks like I'll burn about 400 calories in an hour long game. Look out Serena!
Shoot some Hoops. Never an excuse not to play basketball. Feeling slow and heavy? You sound perfect to play center! Tired? The adrenaline of 1 on 1 (or even horse) is sure to get your blood pumping. Much like tennis, there are no shortages of courts (indoor and outdoor) in most cities. Having a hard time getting a court to yourself? See if you can join in a pick up game, that will push you even harder to play your best, and to play hard! CLICK HERE to see the difference in calories burned between shooting baskets, playing a game, or officiating! Guaranteed they're all more than calories burned sitting still. By the time you get done jumping and stretching to block shots, not to mention sprinting to get rebounds and catch passes, you'll be the flyest guy or gal at the pool :)
Play Volleyball. This is a great "intro" sport for the self-proclaimed non athlete. There's little to no running and it's a team sport. Don't have a whole team together? You and a pal can hone in on your skills as you practice bumping, setting, and spiking together. No pal? Practice against the side of your house (or the house of an ex you are trying to annoy!) Before you know it your legs will be toned from crouching, and your arms in show condition! CLICK HERE to input your weight, alloted time frame and see just how skinny your little body is going to get!
Take a Walk. For the love of all that is exercise, if you do nothing else, please start with walking. No need to Forest Gump it across the nation, just start where you can, doing what you can. This doesn't mean refrain from pushing yourself, just start with a goal that you can accomplish and that will encourage you to continue. Find a landmark near your house that would be a huge goal for you to meet. Drive by one day and see just how far it is. Make that your "final walk" in a month, 6 months, or a year. Take the distance, and break it down into attainable goals (i.e. 6 mile mark? If you're shooting for a 6 mile walk in 6 months, start with a mile, and add a mile every month). Goals are a critical part of anything worth accomplishing. For $1 you can purchase a pedometer to tell you just how far you've gone, how many calories you've burned, etc. Many phones now a days have an "app for that" with even more details.
You may be thinking, wow, those weren't very creative, everyone knows about those sports. And it's true, I have, of course, listed a very limited amount of things you can do as it starts to warm up outdoors. The important thing is, start somewhere. Ride a bike or try canoeing. Don't like traditional exercise? Sign up for a dance class, or take horse back riding lessons. If you are learning something new, you may be more inclined to stick with it. If you are a group person, check out any community/local magazine that are filled with co-ed groups and teams in just about anything (from ultimate Frisbee to dog walking). There is an accountability that comes with someone knowing you didn't show up one day, or letting your team down. The bottom line is, there is literally some type of exercise for everyone (stroller fitness class for Mom's anyone?) Find it, get into it, and love it. Make it the favorite part of your day. If you throw yourself (and heart) into it, you may be shocked at just what an athlete you are! Remember, regardless of whether or not you're signing autographs as you walk off of the courts, getting, and staying fit, is one of the greatest gifts in the world, and only you can give it to yourself and your family!
Mow the yard. Not your idea of a spectacular spring day? CLICK THIS FUN LITTLE GADGET to see an estimate of just how many calories you will burn! Not only will your neighbors (and yard!) thank you, that shiny new bathing suit wont look near as intimidating!
Play Tennis. Feeling far from a pro? When I play tennis I look like an accident. But boy is it fun! This game is very versatile because many courts are lit at dawn/dusk which gives you a lot more flexibility on play time. Using the rain as an excuse to miss a match? Head to your local community center to play indoors! CLICK HERE to compute calories burned. Looks like I'll burn about 400 calories in an hour long game. Look out Serena!
Shoot some Hoops. Never an excuse not to play basketball. Feeling slow and heavy? You sound perfect to play center! Tired? The adrenaline of 1 on 1 (or even horse) is sure to get your blood pumping. Much like tennis, there are no shortages of courts (indoor and outdoor) in most cities. Having a hard time getting a court to yourself? See if you can join in a pick up game, that will push you even harder to play your best, and to play hard! CLICK HERE to see the difference in calories burned between shooting baskets, playing a game, or officiating! Guaranteed they're all more than calories burned sitting still. By the time you get done jumping and stretching to block shots, not to mention sprinting to get rebounds and catch passes, you'll be the flyest guy or gal at the pool :)
Play Volleyball. This is a great "intro" sport for the self-proclaimed non athlete. There's little to no running and it's a team sport. Don't have a whole team together? You and a pal can hone in on your skills as you practice bumping, setting, and spiking together. No pal? Practice against the side of your house (or the house of an ex you are trying to annoy!) Before you know it your legs will be toned from crouching, and your arms in show condition! CLICK HERE to input your weight, alloted time frame and see just how skinny your little body is going to get!
Take a Walk. For the love of all that is exercise, if you do nothing else, please start with walking. No need to Forest Gump it across the nation, just start where you can, doing what you can. This doesn't mean refrain from pushing yourself, just start with a goal that you can accomplish and that will encourage you to continue. Find a landmark near your house that would be a huge goal for you to meet. Drive by one day and see just how far it is. Make that your "final walk" in a month, 6 months, or a year. Take the distance, and break it down into attainable goals (i.e. 6 mile mark? If you're shooting for a 6 mile walk in 6 months, start with a mile, and add a mile every month). Goals are a critical part of anything worth accomplishing. For $1 you can purchase a pedometer to tell you just how far you've gone, how many calories you've burned, etc. Many phones now a days have an "app for that" with even more details.
You may be thinking, wow, those weren't very creative, everyone knows about those sports. And it's true, I have, of course, listed a very limited amount of things you can do as it starts to warm up outdoors. The important thing is, start somewhere. Ride a bike or try canoeing. Don't like traditional exercise? Sign up for a dance class, or take horse back riding lessons. If you are learning something new, you may be more inclined to stick with it. If you are a group person, check out any community/local magazine that are filled with co-ed groups and teams in just about anything (from ultimate Frisbee to dog walking). There is an accountability that comes with someone knowing you didn't show up one day, or letting your team down. The bottom line is, there is literally some type of exercise for everyone (stroller fitness class for Mom's anyone?) Find it, get into it, and love it. Make it the favorite part of your day. If you throw yourself (and heart) into it, you may be shocked at just what an athlete you are! Remember, regardless of whether or not you're signing autographs as you walk off of the courts, getting, and staying fit, is one of the greatest gifts in the world, and only you can give it to yourself and your family!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Common sense and a sense of humor are the same thing, moving at different speeds. A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing.
~William James
~William James
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| William James. Looks like a reaaal jokester! |
Review on Crystal Body Deodorant Spray
Other than the fact that this has no aluminum (which is great!) I loved the fact that this was a spray! It's tough to apply if you already have a shirt on (and can make the pits of your shirt look like you've already had a long hard workout) but if you apply before getting dressed, and after giving it a second to breathe, it's easy, fresh feeling, and smells nice! This deodorant worked for me if I was sitting around the house, but once I got up and moving "re-apply, re-apply" was the name of the game. I loved that it wasn't one of those hard crystals that you add water to, but it just didn't seem strong enough. I give this one a thumbs up for effort, but a slightly down facing thumb for quality. If you used it just as a body spray and did not substitute it for your deodorant, I think it would do the job fine!
A review on Alba Coconut Milk Face wash
Again, I had high hopes for this one. When I read "coconut milk" I immediately thought "moisturizing.' The texture of this is fairly creamy, but for some reason it is still hard to spread? I found it takes several pumps to evenly cover my face, so the texture isn't unbearable, just a bit of a hassle. Other than the texture, I wasn't crazy about how it made my skin feel. It actually causes my skin to get a little blotchy after use, and is incredibly drying. It is possible that I am allergic to an ingredient, but it still seemed odd to me. If nothing else, you would think coconut milk wash would be moisturizing :(
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