Month: April 2016

But I FEEL…

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Stop! Stop right there… Feelings cannot be trusted. Because I feel stupid, fat, and ugly. No, it’s not a self-esteem issue, it’s just how I feel lately. And hot. Oh, and crazy too. Really, there’s a whole list of derogatory words that I can use to describe how I feel these days. I know they’re not true, but still, the feelings creep up on me. Fortunately, with the benefit of therapy age, maturity, and wisdom, I now understand the difference between feeling and knowing.

What has brought about these derogatory feelings in my life? Two words ~ The Change!

7 Dwarves of Menopause

Now, I don’t feel all mopey because I’m going through it ~ in fact, I’m glad it’s finally happening. But I wasn’t prepared for everything I’m going through. Though in reality, how could I have been, as (like with pregnancy) it is different for every woman. There are 34 (or more) symptoms of menopause. YIKES! Here are some of my favorites (if only I could type in sarcasm).

Memory Loss and Brain Fog:

Can't Think

Memory Loss ~ Yeah, this has been fun. I can’t remember things. My short-term and recent memory are pretty much shot. Gone. MIA. I can’t remember if I’m coming or going. I can’t remember info I just learned. I can’t remember dates, appointments, or even plans with friends. I don’t recall recent events, impressions, or conversations! I’m lucky I’m able to find my way home every time I go out (so far!).

Brain Fog ~ Ummm… here’s the thing. I used to be pretty quick at understanding something. But now, if you want me to “get it,” you need to talk to me like I’m a 4-year old. Seriously. Otherwise that blank stare you’re seeing really does mean no comprende. And don’t even think of trying to make me hear, process, or understand something before 10 AM, cuz it’s just not going to happen!

A.D.D. ~ Don’t get me started on the epic level this has reached!

Stupid, Stubborn Weight:

Cat on Scale

Okay, if I’m going to be totally honest, I’ve had to battle my weight for several years now (stupid weight). However, I’ve always known what to do! I’ve also been able to adjust my eating habits and see a difference. This is no longer true. I am fighting harder than I ever have in my life, to not only lose weight, but to stop gaining it too!

So what’s changed? Everything! Everything I’ve learned about working out and being fit, no longer applies to me. What worked before doesn’t work now, and that is backed up by personal experience, as well as research. Now I’m trying to adjust, to forget what used to work, and learn what works now. And it’s frustrating… demoralizing… demotivating. Yes, a  personal trainer would be quite useful right now, but that’s just not in the budget. So I will continue to re-educate myself, push through, and persevere. It’s not about having a skinny body, but I do want to be the healthiest me I can be!

Thin is NOT In:

Eyebrows

Once upon a time, I had beautiful, thick eyebrows, and amazingly long, thick eyelashes. My hair was thick, though fine, and I had a lot of it. Yes, I was blessed.

My eyebrows were full and had a nice, natural arch. Occasional tweezing was all I had to do. My eyelashes were really long and had a lovely natural curl to them. Not only have I never used an eyelash curler, but I actually used to lament that my eyelashes were so long that they would brush on my sunglasses when I blinked (and that was without mascara)! (Yes, I know, I’ll feel no sympathy on this one.)

Oh, how things have changed. My hair isn’t too bad, because while I’ve lost a lot of it, I really did have a lot to begin with, so it doesn’t show too much. My eyebrows are sparse now, no longer thick. And they require a lot of work to look good. My eyelashes? Well, now they’re short and thin, even with mascara!

Feelin’ the Heat:

Hot flashes and night sweats… This pretty much sums up how I feel about that!

Definition of Hot Flash

Yep, that’s pretty much it. Thank God for Peppermint Oil (seriously, a must-have). And yes, I know what the triggers are, but frankly, if I avoid those, is life really worth living? I think not. Well, except for stress and anxiety, which are basically caused by menopause!

Hot Flash Triggers

Oh and, by the way…

Murder Sprees

In Conclusion:

So what’s a girl to do? Well, I guess it boils down to what I tell my daughter all too often ~ Suck it up, Cupcake! To the best of my knowledge, no woman has died from going through it. I’ll continue using my oils and supplements, I will continue to seek out the coolest A/C vents and most powerful fans, I will continue to obsessively write things down, and I will continue plotting murders in my mind. Whatever gets you through, right?

The Year the Music Died

/ Tracy / 2 Comments

 

Music Feelings

News broke yesterday, of the death of Prince. The news hit me. It hit me hard. So far in 2016, we’ve lost (among other great celebrities) three incredible musicians… three music icons… three music legends… David Bowie (Jan. 10), Glenn Frey (Jan. 18), and now Prince (Apr. 21). They were all amazingly talented, though very different, musicians. And each of these deaths has affected me deeply.

Music Bowie

RIP David

I was a child when Elvis died, but I remember how people mourned for him, and I didn’t understand it. I was a teen when John Lennon died, and again, I saw how much that affected people, but still, I didn’t understand. I mean, I understood that it’s natural to be a little sad when someone you know, admire, or respect dies, but people cried… they grieved ~ for people they didn’t even know! And that I didn’t get.

Now it’s my turn. Now I’m older, and with the benefit of maturity and wisdom, I get it. More than anything else from our youth, the music stays with us. It is more powerful than anything else from our youth. And while we may like, or even love, other music from before or after our youthful days, it is the music we loved as teens (scientists say 12-22 years) that means the most. It invokes memories and emotions like nothing else.

Music Frey

RIP Glenn

I’m an 80’s girl, a Gen X girl. Growing up in the ’70s, and being a teen throughout the ’80s, is something I love. It’s something I’m proud of. It was a fun, crazy, and wild time of self-discovery, independence, and big hair. It was a time when I felt safe, was less jaded, less cynical, and less hard. It was a time when I was more innocent, and more hopeful, a time when I had big dreams and an even bigger heart.

What I now know, is that when I hear of the passing of one of the musical legends from my youth, it makes me nostalgic. It reminds me of days gone by… It reminds me of who I was and who I hoped to be… It reminds me of the people I loved, the friends I had, and the good times we shared. It also reminds me of loss… the people I’ve lost, sometimes through death, sometimes through life. And it reminds me that life is short and that tomorrow is never guaranteed.

Music Prince

RIP Prince

So it’s okay to mourn. It’s okay to grieve. It’s natural to feel loss when losing the musical greats of our youth because it’s not just the person that we’re losing. We’re losing a small piece of ourselves as well. We’re mourning losing someone we didn’t actually know, because through them, and their words and music, we came to know ourselves. And that is worth mourning.

What Goes On, Goes In

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Have you ever heard the phrase, “What goes on your body, goes in your body?” It’s true. Our skin is our largest organ and the first line of defense against germs, pollutants, chemicals, and more. Overall, our skin does an amazing job of protecting our bodies from outside elements. But what about what we put on our bodies.

On Your Body

When it comes to personal care, many of us don’t really give much thought to what makes up our particular favorites, but we should. Personal care products (including cosmetics, deodorant, hair care, body lotions, bathing items, etc), medications, and even OTC medications are typically filled with toxic chemicals. Things that we wouldn’t dream of ingesting, we are absorbing.

The skin has approximately 3 trillion pores, and they absorb whatever we put on our skin, into our body, and into our bloodstream. Of course, it would be pretty difficult to avoid toxic chemicals altogether, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be deliberate and purposeful when we can.

 

I am on a quest to make healthier choices for my family, going natural where possible. Part of that is using essential oils for health and wellness support, for making my own (DIY) personal care products, household cleaning, and more.

Using essential oils can radically change your life if you want them to!

 

 

Homemade Coffee Creamer

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Homemade Coffee CreamerMmmmm… coffee! Go-go juice. Liquid energy, in a cup. Sanity saver. Whatever you call it, for many of us, coffee is an addiction a daily necessity. It wakes us up and keeps us going! While there are many who enjoy their coffee black, I simply do not. I have to have a generous amount of creamer.

I love the smooth, creamy, sweet taste of creamer. I love the many flavor options of creamer. What I don’t love about creamer is all the “stuff” that goes into making it ~ GMO’s, additives, preservatives, and artificial chemicals. YUCK!

Awhile back I discovered something ~ I can make my own creamer (thank you Pinterest)! With ingredients I typically already have at home. It’s easy (trust me on this ~ I’ve even made it in the morning, before having coffee, because I forgot to make it when I ran out). And better for you. And YUMMY! What else is there?

MFL Homemade Coffee Creamer 1

Homemade Coffee Creamer:

Ingredients:

~ 14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk
~ 2 1/2 Cup Milk or Cream (whole, low-fat, skim, almond, soy, heavy cream, half & half, etc – whatever your preference, however the more fat, the more creaminess)
~ Whatever flavor combinations you prefer. I like 1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract.

Flavor Options:

Vanilla Extract, Chocolate Syrup, Cocoa Powder, Caramel Syrup, Almond Extract, Cinnamon, Coconut Oil, Maple Syrup, Pumpkin Puree, Pumpkin Spice, Honey, Orange Extract, Hazelnut Extract, Pink Himalayan Sea Salt,  Peppermint, or any other flavor Extract, Syrup, or Spice you like!

Hommade Coffee Creamer 2Instructions:

Add ingredients to a jar or mixing bowl, and stir or shake until well blended. I use a 4 Cup measuring cup. I first measure out the half n half (my preference), then add in the Sweetened Condensed Milk, and finally the ingredients. Mix well and pour into serving container. Mason jars work well, but so do recycled coffee creamer bottles!

Helpful Tips:

~ If adding dry or thick (honey) ingredients, first add it to a little cream and heat on the stove. Whisk continually until the ingredient dissolves completely. That way you won’t have clumpy or grainy creamer.

~ Add the expiration date of the milk or cream you use to the bottom of the jar or bottle, so you will always know what the expiration date is.

~ I’ve seen many recipes that call for Torani Syrup as an ingredient for creamers. They do have great flavors. They also use Sodium Benzoate as a preservative, which is a whole mess of bad news. For more info on that, go here.

Homemade Coffee Creamer 1

7 Quick n Easy Natural DIY Beauty Hacks

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I don’t know about you, but I’m all about quick and easy! Especially when it comes to my beauty regimen! Once upon a time, I could easily spend lots of time getting ready ~ for the day, to go out, and even to go to bed… but those days are long gone.

Now I’m all about efficiency and simplicity! And I’m on a journey to try to remove unnecessary chemicals and toxins from my life. So I get all excited when I find a beauty hack that makes life easier. And I figure if I get excited about it, someone else might too! With that in mind, here are 7 quick, easy, natural DIY beauty hacks to simplify your life!

7 Quick n Easy Beauty Hacks

 

Citrus Oil Bath Salts

Citrus Oil Bath Salts ~

Who doesn’t like a good bath? The awesome thing about this one, is that you can easily switch your essential oil to anything you like. Citrus oils are invigorating, clean and fresh. The epsom salt will draw out toxins and soothe sore, tired muscles, and general aches and pains.

  • 4 Cups Epsom Salt
  • 15 Drops Citrus Essential Oil

Mix well and store in a glass jar. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of mixture to your bath. Soak and relax for a minimum of 20 minutes.

 

Eyelash Boost

Strength and Volume Mascara Booster

Okay, so this is a great way to get added benefit from your mascara, in the simplest way possible!

We all want longer, thicker, stronger lashes, right? Of course we do, otherwise we wouldn’t use mascara at all!

Simply add 1 drop of Lavender Essential Oil and 1 drop of Cedarwood Essential Oil to your new mascara bottle. That’s it! See… Easy-Peasy!

 

Facial

Luxurious Homemade Facial

Ahhh… clean, glowing, nourished, and moisturized skin! Without the time and money required to go to a spa! How fantastic is this?!

Simply combine ingredients and apply to your freshly washed face. Allow mixture to stay on for 10 minutes (min), then wipe off with a very warm cloth. Tone and moisturize as normal.

 

Face Wash Pads

Purifying DIY Face Wash Pads

Sometimes you just need convenience when washing your face. These little pads are perfect for that. They are both gentle and deep-cleaning.

Prepare recipe as directed. To use, simply remove a pad from the jar and use to wash your face and neck. Rinse with water and follow up with your favorite toner and moisturizer. More than one pad may be required for heavier makeup.

 

Magic Eye Blend

Magic Eye Blend

I think it’s pretty safe to say that most of us don’t want wrinkly, crepey skin around our eyes. But good eye creams can be very expensive! And chemical-y. Yuck.

Instead, try this amazing blend. And yes, it really is amazing!

  • 2 Drops of Lemon Essential Oil
  • 2 Drops of Lavender Essential Oil
  • 2 Drops of Frankincense Essential Oil
  • 1 Oz of Fractionated Coconut Oil

 

Hair Spray

Non-Toxic DIY Hairspray

You need hairspray, but don’t want all the chemicals and toxins? Here’s the solution. This recipe actually works quite well.

The secret ingredient is sugar! And you can use whichever essential oils you like. Essential oils generally recommended for hair care would be Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, Cedarwood, Tea Tree, and Chamomile.

For faster drying of the spray, add a Tbsp of pure alcohol when mixing.

 

Skin Soothing Oil

Skin Soothing Oil

For dry, itchy skin from the change of seasons, swimming, frequent hot showers, and other external sources, as well as internal reasons. This oil truly is fantastic. Not only does it smell amazing, but it also works quickly at soothing, smoothing, and calming the skin.

  • 10 Drops Lavender Essential Oil
  • 10 Drops Rosemary Essential Oil
  • 4 oz Fractionated Coconut Oil or Grapeseed Oil

Apply as needed.

The Warrior Within

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Have you ever struggled to fit in? I’m sure if we’re honest, we’d all admit to having that struggle, at least occasionally. But what is it to fit in? And really, why would we want to?

If You Don't Fit In

What Is Normal?

For most of my life, I didn’t feel like I was a normal girl. I realize “normal” is subjective, but there are general girly qualities that are fairly standard. For instance, dressing up, being feminine, and looking pretty, polished and put together, are all typical for normal girls. And yes, I will do that. But only sometimes. I rarely accessorize and only change out my purse when it’s worn out. I can easily go out without worrying about makeup. Overall, I’m pretty low maintenance. And two of my least favorite things (also considered standard for women) are talking on the phone and <gasp> shopping!

The things I do enjoy are not typically considered “girly.” I like war movies more than romance. And boxing more than crafting. For our 10-year anniversary, I was thrilled to receive the gift of my dreams! No, it wasn’t bling, it was steel ~ my very first handgun! I get excited about knives (of the non-kitchen variety). As soon as I get a backboard and proper target, I will be throwing knives as a hobby. And I would love to get a black belt in martial arts (but have bad knees). See, I’m not a “normal” girl.

Being a Warrior

Previously, those things that make me “me,” made me feel like I didn’t measure up. Like I wasn’t the type of girl society said I should be, so there was something wrong with me. Now, however, when I look at the list above, I see a common thread. All of these things that I enjoy so much are not masculine v. feminine. They are merely activities that represent strength, discipline, determination, focus, tenacity, protectiveness and an unwillingness to give up. These are the characteristics of being a warrior. And that is who God created me to be ~ a warrior, a champion for Him and His Kingdom. Discovering this has been life changing for me.

Be Strong n Corageous

My time in this world is not just for me. It’s been said, this life is not about this life.  I can skate through life as a Christian, being saved and just manage to get through, not shaking thing up and not rocking the boat. Or, I can stand up, walk in my purpose, and use the tools (gifts and talents) God has given me to make a difference.

Anytime we work toward the advancement of God’s Kingdom, we encounter resistance and darkness. We encounter the enemy. We have a very real adversary who is against us. He is evil, he is deceitful, and he doesn’t fight fair. Satan doesn’t just want to pick on us a little because he is a bully. Rather he is a liar and a thief, and his purpose is to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10). He wants to destroy us, not because he thinks he can win, but because he knows he’s already lost, and he wants to take as many of God’s people, of God’s chosen ones, with him.

God knows we’re in a battle. And He has given us all the tools we need to win, for He has already won. What tools do we have at our disposal? We have prayer, which is communication ~ no battle can be won without it. We have God’s Word, a sword, a weapon for offense. We have our faith, a shield, a weapon for defense. We have truth, righteousness, peace, and salvation, all tools which allow us to stand strong in the fight, and advance in our purpose, taking ground from the enemy.

The Battle Is Real

So we must fight. All of us. We may grow weary, we may get bloodied, we may even lose some of the battles, but we must never give up. We must always rise up, in Christ, and the strength He has given us, and fight. There may come a time to rest, to refresh, to heal, but we always have to return to the fight. Because the only way Satan can truly win in our lives is if we give up if we allow him to win.

 

And then there is this:

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle, you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

  Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. ~ Ephesians 6:10-18

Battleground

Easy~Peasy DIY Dryer Sheets

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Did you know that fabric softener is one of the most toxic things in your home? It is.

Toxins

Many of us are waking up to the dangers of the chemicals and toxins that seem to surround us. They are literally everywhere, from the products we clean with, to the products we use for personal care, to the air that we breathe, and even the food we eat.

What about our skin though? Many people don’t realize that their skin is their largest organ. The pores on our skin allow outside elements into our body and blood stream. This is not always a bad thing ~ there are many things that are good for us that pass through. It is important to remember though, whatever we put on our skin, we put in our skin. The good and the bad. That’s not a particularly comforting thought, is it?

Toxins Affect Health

So then, what’s a health-conscious person to do? Removing chemicals and toxins from our lives can be overwhelming ~ after all, they are everywhere. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming though, meaning it doesn’t have to all be done at once. Start small, take baby steps. Every time we make a change to remove toxins, we are better off than we were before. One easy way to start is ditching the fabric softener and dryer sheets.

How bad are fabric softener and dryer sheets? Well, this for starters:

Fabric Softener Toxins

If you want more information, I recommend checking this out.

The good news is that these items are easy to replace, naturally! I haven’t used fabric softener or commercial dryer sheets for years. Instead, I use dryer balls (to expedite the drying process) and my own easy-peasy DIY dryer sheets.

DIY Dryer Sheets

Making your own dryer sheets is incredibly easy. They’re customizable. And it saves money!

Supplies:

  1. Glass jar with lid
  2. Cloth strips (I used 3 old t-shirts, as they don’t collect lint).
  3. 1 1/2 C vinegar
  4. 1/2 C water
  5. 20 drops of your favorite essential oils ((Lemon, Lavender, Tangerine, Purification, Rosemary, Thieves, etc. Any single or combo you like.)

Directions:

First, you want to cut your cloth into strips (old towels, t-shirts, microfiber cloths, whatever). Then mix the vinegar, water, and essential oils together in your glass jar. Add your cloth strips (sideways, so all strips are exposed to the mixture from one end) and seal lid. Allow to sit for a few hours, while the strips absorb all of the moisture.

To use, simply grab 2 strips and toss into the dryer. Collect your cloth strips after removing from the dryer and set aside to be used again when needed. Easy~peasy!

Dryer Sheets

 

Why Do They Work?

  • Vinegar is a natural softener and a natural static reducer.  And your clothes won’t smell vinegar-y when they come out … I promise.
  • Your ‘personalized, customizable’ scent of Essential Oils will give your clothes a very subtle (and all natural) scent.  One that’s all your own and not overwhelming.

These DIY dryer sheets are easy, economical, healthful, customizable, and smell pleasant. You want to do this. Trust me.