Read part 1 first.
Let's talk specific laundry ingredients!!! What causes the problems with laundry detergent?
Many of us don’t think twice about the laundry soap we use, but many commercial detergents contain a frightening array of hazardous chemicals that can harm our health. From asthma to skin irritation, it is important to be aware of the toxins lurking in our laundry soaps — and consider safer alternatives.
From endocrine-disrupting compounds to carcinogens, here are some of the common toxins found in laundry soap:
- Phthalates - These have been linked to reproductive problems, developmental problems (with unborn babies) and hormone disruption, as well as heightened risk of asthma and allergies in children.
- Fragrances & Dyes - Common synthetic fragrances like linalool, limonene and ethanol can cause headaches and excessive sneezing when inhaled; while dyes used to give ‘freshness’ may exacerbate skin rashes, respiratory distress, endocrine disruptions, and other reactions. Dyes potentially cause cancer, disrupt the immune system, and can cause hypersensitivity, or hyperactivity.
- Triclocarban & Triclosan - These two preservative ingredients are commonly found in antibacterial soaps, yet are increasingly being added to detergents. They have been associated with antibiotic resistance as well as risks for tumors, endocrine disruption and impaired fetal development.
- Sulfates & Chlorines - Also known as anionic surfactants and bleach respectively, these two substances are known for causing undue skin, lung, and eye damage.
- Ethoxylated Alcohols & Phenols - These synthetic compounds can cling onto fibers during washing processes which could then be absorbed into our bodies via skin contact when wearing clothing washed with them; hence posing a risk for organ damage over time! These persist in our clothes, environment, and our bodies, and the bioaccumulation can cause symptoms of exhaustion, muscle weakness, and pain.
One thing to watch out for is that each of these has many different forms and names. They may appear on the label as something unfamiliar, or they may not appear on the label at all. The word "Fragrance" is a catchall word that protects companies from disclosing their "proprietary" ingredients, and leaves the consumer in the dark.
It is clear that palm-sized bottles of laundry detergents can often be more hazardous than you might think — but thankfully switching out conventional soap for eco-friendly options isn’t too difficult either! Investing in natural products free from parabens, chlorine bleach or artificial fragrances may take a bit more effort than just popping into your local store — but your family’s health makes it more than worth it!
Want to look these up? Google the ingredient + dangers of. Or the ingredient + ewg.org. There are many ways to research, and it can be frustrating to find the truth when companies want it covered up.
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Being a mom can be overwhelming at times, and the hustle and bustle of everyday life can make it difficult to find time for meal planning and preparation. However, with some simple strategies and plant-based nutrition in mind, you can provide your family with nutritious meals even on time-crunched days!
Here are some tips for eating plant-based nutrition when you don’t have much time:
- Stock up on Easily Accessible Plant-Based Foods - Keeping staples like beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and frozen fruits & veggies in the house makes it easier to whip up meals quickly without having to grocery shop often. And they won't go bad in the back of the fridge.
- Pre-Cook Larger Portions - Try batch cooking large portions of whole grains such as quinoa or brown rice over the weekend so they’re ready to heat up later in the week. Batch cook more complicated meals and freeze for an easy meal you can time bake on a crazy day. Make several meal portions of bean burgers and freeze to use later. Enjoy them alongside cooked veggies, leafy greens and easy sauces/dressings for flavorful meals that come together in no time!
- Use Convenient Alternatives - If you’re pressed for time, pull out those frozen bean burgers or casseroles! Just pop them into the oven or air fryer before serving with a quick side salad or roasted vegetables.
- Get Creative With Smoothies - Smoothies are an ideal way to get an energy boost during busy mornings; blend together some frozen fruit (even some veggies) with non-dairy milk or yoghurt and add superfoods like chia seeds or flaxseed meal for added nutrients! Kids love these frozen into popsicles, too!
- Prepare Quick Snacks - Healthy snacks like trail mix, kale chips or overnight oats are easy to put together ahead of time. Pre-chop your veggies and fruits and put them in the fridge in individual servings. Just grab them as you head out the door!
Eating plant based nutrition doesn't have to be hard when you're short on time– just remember to keep some healthy staples handy so you can easily create delicious meals that everyone will love!
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I have been looking for a place to help me level up my fitness and I found one! It's fairly new to Tracy, CA, but there are many locations across the U.S. and Canada. If you are ready to get fit(and you have one nearby), look no further than The Bar Method! This exercise studio combines ballet, Pilates, and yoga elements for a low-impact workout that's designed to sculpt your entire body. They have several different types of 60 minute classes to choose from. Bar Method, Bar Method Cardio, Bar Flow, Bar Advanced, Bar Restore 30/30 (30 min workout/30 min stretch). They have 45 minute Express classes, and will add Restore 15 on the end of some of these with stretching. They also offer different workshops - so watch for those!
With its knowledgeable instructors, modern facilities, and welcoming atmosphere - you'll be sure to reach your fitness goals in style. Whether you're just starting out or looking for something more advanced - The Bar Method has the perfect class suited just for you! Everyone I've talked with at the studio loves the classes. TheBar Method even make it easy to reserve your spots with an app that's simple to use. And they have a cute fitness shop at the front as well - I would recommend the socks with grip (you workout in your sock feet).
I've been attending classes for the last 2 weeks, and it's kicking my butt in a good way! I was a little concerned about my previously injured shoulder (falling in an ice rink really did me in), but instead of aggravating the injury, I am feeling stronger and having less pain. That was a fantastic surprise for me! Beware of sore muscles, you will work every muscle you didn't know you had. 😂 I love the added benefit of better posture. So many of us sit at desks and have neck or back pain because of poor posture, and the instructors are very good at helping you to be in good form so you strengthen your muscles and prevent injury. I have found myself standing straighter and self correcting my posture at home!
The Bar Method Tracy will keep me coming back for more! I love the uplifting supportive community among the members & instructors! So if you want to take your exercise practice up a notch in a positive atmosphere, there's no better place than the Bar Method Tracy. They even have a fabulous deal to get started. Get ready... it’s time to "embrace the shake" with this high energy approach!
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Are you looking for a natural way to freshen up your home as a busy mom? Young Living Essential Oils and Thieves Cleaning products are two great solutions that quickly and easily keep your home smelling sweet and clean.
Using essential oils is an excellent way to enjoy natural scents and neutralize odors without the addition of chemical fragrances that harm our families. Here are some tips on how to use Young Living essential oil varieties in your home:
- Diffuse - The easiest way to refresh any room in your home is by using a diffuser! Add 5-6 drops of your favorite Young Living oil (like Lavender, Peppermint, or Lemon) into the diffuser and enjoy the uplifting aroma throughout the day.
- Spritz - Create an all natural room spray with water, a teaspoon of witch hazel, and 8-10 drops of essential oil – spray in any room to freshen it up instantly! You can also make up fabric refreshers by mixing ½ cup vodka, 2 tablespoons of witch hazel, 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel, 10-15 drops of essential oil and water in a spray bottle. (Use Purification to get rid of nasty odors, or Lavender to create a calm atmosphere in the bedroom)
- Deodorize - Place small cotton balls soaked in tea tree oil (or geranium) inside smelly shoes or add 2 teaspoons of baking soda with 3-4 drops of lemon oil or thieves into stinky laundry baskets before doing the wash.
For those times when you want a deeper clean, turn to Thieves Household Cleaner from Young Living! Not only does it have plant-based ingredients but it's formulated with the power of Thieves essential oil blend which makes surfaces sparkle while diffusing a pleasant citrusy aroma in the air! Try these simple steps for a fresh and clean home – you will be amazed at what a difference it makes!
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Any purchase made is a blessing to my family at no extra cost to you!
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Being a mom is a full-time job, and it can be exhausting. Between taking care of the kids, managing the household, and finding time for your spouse and yourself, there's barely enough energy left over to keep up with your daily tasks. If you find yourself feeling exhausted no matter how much sleep you get or how often you take breaks, then it might be time to look into why you have no energy as a mom.
Identifying the Cause of Your Fatigue
The first step in getting your energy back is determining what’s causing it to dip in the first place. It could be something as simple as an unhealthy diet or too much stress. On the other hand, there could be underlying medical reasons why you’re feeling so tired all the time. If this is the case, talk to your doctor about possible tests to find the underlying cause and solutions or lifestyle changes that may help. Sometimes a simple allergy or food sensitivity test can uncover a food that is causing issues.
Finding Ways to Recharge
Once you know what’s causing your fatigue, it’s time to find ways to recharge. This will look different for everyone but generally speaking, holistic moms should focus on eating healthy foods that are high in nutrients and antioxidants as well as incorporating exercise into their daily routine. Removing foods that cause issues can also make a big difference. Additionally, taking some “me time” each day—whether it's reading a book or taking a hot bath—can also help you feel more energized and relaxed overall.
Boosting Your Energy Levels
Finally, try boosting your energy levels naturally by adding certain supplements into your diet such as B vitamins or iron if needed. A multivitamincan also be beneficial for providing extra nutrients and minerals that many busy moms don't get enough of in their diets alone. Taking these types of supplements can make all the difference when it comes to increasing energy levels and improving overall health and wellness.
It's no secret that being a mom takes a lot out of us physically and mentally - but there are things we can do to help us stay energized throughout our hectic days! By identifying what's causing our fatigue and making some necessary lifestyle changes such as eating better and exercising regularly, we can boost our energy levels naturally - which in turn helps us become better moms! As long as we remember to take care of ourselves first, we'll have plenty of energy left over for everything else!
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Any purchase made is a blessing to my family at no extra cost to you!
Thank you for supporting us!
