Awesome things are happening at HMFW!!

A friend of mine made this mug for me.  Hand-thrown pottery.  I love it.  It loves me sipping herbal tea from it.  I am launching my Holistic Health Coaching Business in 2013.  True Stories, all.

Yes, awesome things are happening here at HealthMatters Family Wellness:

1. My Mug
2. I graduate from The Institute for Integrative Nutrition with my Holistic Health Coaching certificate on March 1
3. I am now a Board Certified Holistic Health Coach, certified through the American Association of Drugless Practitioners
4. I am teaching 3 Alternative Beverage workshops in the Madison area:  March 9 (Mindful Motion Physical Therapy), April 14 (Willy Street Coop East) and April 16 (Willy Street Coop West)
5. I will be learning how to make my own kombucha soon!

Life. Is. Good.

For more details about HMFW and my upcoming workshops, please visit:

My website:  www.healthmattersfamilywellness.com

Follow me on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/healthmattersfw

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Like me on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/HealthMattersFamilyWellness?ref=hl

The wonders of vinegar!

What is vinegar?  I realized that I have been using this substance quite a bit for a variety of things from cleaning to hair conditioner, and I did not know exactly what it was.

Vinegar can be made from any fruit or any material containing sugar.  Vinegar is made by two distinct biological processes, both the result of the action of harmless microorganisms that turn sugars into acetic acid.  The first process is called alcoholic fermentation and occurs when yeasts change natural sugars to alcohol under controlled conditions.  In the second process, a group of bacteria converts the alcohol portion to acid.  This is the acetic, or acid fermentation that forms vinegar.  

Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and can be used for so many household chores.  Plus, it’s available in gallon containers and it’s ECONOMICAL!  I have at least 2 gallons going at all times.

Vinegar as an all natural cleaner:  Mix 1 part distilled water with 1 part white distilled vinegar in a labeled spray bottle.  Use on appliances, mirrors, counter tops, tub and the outside of toilets.  Use anywhere you would use a chemical all purpose cleaner.  I mix use a citrus mix of vinegar by taking citrus peels and soaking them with white vinegar for at least 14 days, then mix  with the water for the cleaner.  Smells wonderful!

Vinegar as an all natural toilet bowl cleaner:  Flush the toilet and then pour undiluted vinegar around the rim and scrub with a toilet brush to effectively clean and disinfect your toilet.  I have been doing this for years, and it does really work!

Vinegar as an all natural floor cleaner:  Use 1 cup of white distilled vinegar for every gallon of water.  Mop as usual.  I make my own Swiffer WetJet refill solution too.  Gotta love Pinterest!

Vinegar as an all natural weed killer:  Pour undiluted white vinegar directly on weeds or grass growing where you do not want it.  Works especially well in sidewalk or driveway cracks.

Vinegar as an all natural pesticide:  Pour directly on anthills to eliminate.  Kill slugs by spraying with the all natural cleaner mentioned above.  Discourage ants in your home by spraying undiluted vinegar in doorways and window sills or wherever you see them coming in.  Get rid if fruit flies by setting out a small dish of undiluted white vinegar.  We had some ants coming in the kitchen window last summer.  Some sprays of vinegar had them heading the opposite direction!

Never use vinegar on marble, and test your tile and grout before using on those surfaces.  Don’t worry about your house smelling like vinegar, the smell goes away when it dries.  If you cannot handle the smell while cleaning, add a few drops of a citrus essential oil to the mix, or soak your citrus peels in vinegar, as mentioned above.  

In my home, we use vinegar for all cleaning purposes except dish-washing and dusting.  Counter tops, toilets, mirrors, floors, virtually any surface that needs to wiped down and/or disinfected.

There are so many uses for vinegar in your home, garden, garage and beyond. Please check out http://www.vinegartips.com/ for more tips, pick your favorites and you are on your way to more healthful, non-toxic, all natural cleaning and disinfecting!

They're adorable, they're maddening and I love them to the moon and back...they're my boys.

I don't mind bragging a bit, my kiddos are awesome.  I am blessed with 2 boys, ages 11 and 8, and they absolutely rock. Being a single mom isn't easy, but I wouldn't trade those hooligans for anything.

Why my 11 year old rocks:

• He invited me to a special breakfast at school as someone who is a good roll model for him.  His reason?  "You teach me how to eat healthy, mom."  Ironically, the special breakfast served will be donuts. :)
• He believes in paranormal phenomena such as Bigfoot, Chupacabra and aliens.
• He can't decide if he wants to be a paranormal investigator, A 'Ghostbuster', or a Bigfoot chaser when he grows up.  What a huge decision!
• He is challenged by his math class, yet can quickly figure out how to play any game imaginable on the PlayStation   
• He is enamored by Godzilla and cannot get enough of the movies, toys and books.
• He quotes from the 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' book series.
• He loves to sing.  His current favorite?  The 'Ghostbusters' theme song.
• He busts out with an "I love you, mom!" at any given moment, no matter where we are or what we are doing.
• He has autism and is a bit awkward socially, but he practices and tries hard.
• He will try most any new food.
• He's a thinker.
• He's sweet.
• His favorite snack is fruit.
• He still asks to hear the story of how he farted on my sister when he was less than 1 day old.  (it was a big one, so I guess I can understand)
• When we are planning an outdoor activity, he tells me, "I'm more of an indoor kid, mom."
• He still sleeps with the remnants of his baby blankie and a stuffed Yogi Bear from a camping trip years ago.
• He loves to read, especially graphic novels.
• He is a talented artist.  His specialty is monsters.  Go figure.

Why my 8 year old rocks:

• He looks out for his older brother, yet isn't afraid to tackle or fight with him at any given moment.
• He's whip smart and soaks up knowledge like a sponge.
• He loves to read non-fiction books, especially about animals or weather.
• When he does read his non-fiction books, he shouts out random facts.  "Mom, did you know that lightening is 5 times hotter than the sun?"
• He's sassy.
• He's a drama king.
• He will yell, "I hate you, mom!" in one breath when he is punished for misbehavior, then want his back rubbed 5 minutes later.
• He understands more than it's possible to give him credit for.
• He loves to play outside and ride his bike.  Current favorite sport is basketball.
• He credits me with teaching how to throw a spiral with the football.
• He still sleeps with his blankie.
• He talks in his sleep.
• He still lets me tickle his feet.
• He is sweet on occasion, so it is special when he is.
• He loves to sing, loudly, and in his husky, gravelly voice.  I can totally see him as a front-man for a hard rock band.
• He loves building with Legos and K'Nex, and will design his own creations.
• He gives random hugs.
• He loves to help out in the kitchen from grating to slicing, he wants to learn how to do everything.

My boys are unique in their own way, yet still have many things in common.  They fight on occasion  they get along on occasion, they tattle, they work it out.  They gang up on mom sometimes, they stick up for me sometimes.  They fart, have stinky feet, talk about poop and burp loudly.  They are little men who are going to be kind, considerate, helpful and hard working big men someday, (I hope!), who also fart, have stinky feet, talk about poop and burp loudly.  Yep, I'm blessed.

I wouldn't trade them for anything.

Divine Haircut!

I have found my salon.

I am not necessarily a girly girl, I don't use any hair products except shampoo and conditioner on a daily basis, I wash, dry and go, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy a good wash, scalp massage and haircut at a salon.

And I have found my new favorite!  Divine Body and Styles Organic Salon and Spa is Madison's first and only organic salon, and it's just beautiful!  Located in Westport, the space is open, light and airy with a delicate, tranquil fragrance wafting through the air.  No chemical or nose-stinging scents here, just gentle, herbal tones of essential oils.  I instantly felt peaceful when I walked in Friday afternoon after a full work week.  

Angela Kowieski, the owner and Certified Organic Hair Colorist, is welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable about alternatives to chemical-laden beauty products.  She is even creating her own line of skin care products, to be sold at the salon.

After a relaxing wash with wonderfully scented shampoo, I received a calming scalp massage and an application of leave in conditioner oils.  Then the most awesome part - I got the best haircut of my life!  I had about 3 inches of dry, split ends - I know, I waited too long.  But, I was waiting for the Divine, and I got it!  My hair is bouncy, healthy and easy to manage, and I will be stopping back in to get some of the hair oil Angela put on for conditioner - it made my hair soft and shiny - not greasy at all!

I highly recommend getting yourself over to the Divine Body and Styles Organic Salon and Spa as soon as possible, especially if you are looking to clean up your act, and want to use products made from naturally derived ingredients that are actually good for you and the earth.  I can't wait to go back to try the other services, including a facial, massage and a Mehndi Henna Tattoo!



  

Product Girl No More!

I used to be a total product girl, buying so many different products from body wash to 3 different facial scrubs in the effort to find that ‘miracle’ product for some unseen skin issue.  My shower and bathroom cabinet were a testament to this addiction – half used bottles, tubes and tubs falling everywhere.  That is, until I made the decision to simplify my life, cut down on products, and switch to all natural or organic product alternatives wherever possible.  This extends to lotion, shampoo, deodorant, face wash, hair products etc.  I just feel that there are too many chemicals and toxins in these products, and have made a vow to myself and my family to cut down or find healthy alternatives.  After all, your skin is your largest organ, and it pays to keep it healthy.  My pact with myself is to not put anything on my skin that I would not put in my body. Pretty easy if you think about it.

The first thing I did was eco-dispose of or give away the products that were old or I had stopped using.  That was a complete relief, but it was hard to get rid of some items that cost more, so I used those up.  Then I did research on all natural and organic products, and also looked into making my own.  What I discovered is pretty amazing.

I don't wash my face with soap any more, I use oil.  Yep, even though I have oily skin, I use a gentle trio of oils that I tweaked for my personal use to clean my face:  olive, almond and castor oils.  I found the basic recipe and directions here.  Oil washing eliminates the need for a separate makeup remover, and leaves my face soft with a healthy glow.  During the winter, I use my homemade lotion bars as an after wash moisturizer.  I use every night, then just rinse my face with water in the shower each morning.  My skin has never been so clear or so healthy looking.

I tried making my own toothpaste, but I didn't like the texture or how salty it was.  So, we use Tom's of Maine non-fluoride varieties and the children's fluoride free variety.  They taste good, don't have the 'bad for you junk' in them, and there are sometimes coupons or sales available!  

I also tried making my own shampoo.  I have really long hair, and using castile soap on my hair left it in a tangled, straw-textured mess - the boys in the house use it, but not me.  Finding an all organic shampoo that doesn't contain castile soap is tough, so I tried Avalon Organics Lemon Clarifying Shampoo.  This shampoo smells great, is 70% organic, and does not contain parabens, harsh preservatives, synthetic colors or fragrances, phthalates or harmful sulfates.  Also, they do not test on animals, which is important to me.  My hair is shiny, fresh smelling and smooth.  Love it!

For conditioner, I use a 3:1 white vinegar to water solution that I mix up and keep in a squeeze bottle in the shower.  Apply at the ends and roots, massage into your hair, and rinse.  Tangle free and soft, plus no harmful chemicals!

Mountain Rose Herbs has my favorite facial scrub.  With oily skin, I like to do a facial scrub about once a week.  This helps keep my skin clear, smooth and just feels and smells darn good!  

One of my little guys has seasonal dandruff, as do I on on the crown of my head, so instead of potentially harmful, commercially produced dandruff shampoo, we use organic Rosemary Essential Oil, also from Mountain Rose Herbs.  Simply massage onto troubled areas, wrap your head in a towel and let sit a minimum of 10 minutes.  Wash your hair as usual.  If you can stand to leave it on overnight, even better.  Stops the itchies and the flakes!

For years I have searched for an all natural deodorant that actually worked.  I tried at least 5 or 6 different brands to no avail, always falling back to the commercial brands.  That is, until I started selling Evolution Salt and got introduced to the Deodorant and Cleansing Bar.  Every day, I use my deodorant bar, and it's amazing!  It goes on a little wet, dries quickly, and leaves me with a refreshing feeling all day.  Sure, by the time evening rolls around, you may need to reapply if you are going out, but it does last all day.  I barely sweat, and when I do, I don’t smell bad, just natural because the salt doesn't allow smelly bacteria to grow.  It even works in the heat of the summer - bring on the sun dresses!  No more white deodorant balls, yellowish armpits, white marks on dark clothes or chemical laden commercial deodorants!  I have been using the same one for over 2 years - so it is cost effective as well.  The man about the house doesn't use it, as he has a higher sweat ratio than I do, and it doesn't work for him.  But, he did find an all natural deodorant that does work - Kiss My Face Active Life Sport Stick.  The boys use a Tom's of Maine variety.  

For cleaning our bodies, we use our own blend of Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps that we buy in bulk at the Co-op, or the Dr. Bronner's Almond bar soap.  The man about the house and the boys use the liquid for their shampoo as well, and we use a blend of the Dr. Bronner's liquid soap and water in our hand soap dispensers.  

It is a challenge to find a good, organic or all natural lotion.  I am a lotionaholic, and need to moisturize every day.  I found a good one in Alba Organics, as it has a pretty clean label, and doesn't go on greasy.  I also make my own lotion bars - the boys love them!, 

I use Physician’s Formula organic mascara and use Mojo Spa foundation and powder, as well as their mineral eye shadows.  I love Mojo Spa's Illuminata foundation, it makes my skin look dewy and younger looking - who can't use some of that!  The powder is great if you want a matte look, and the eye shadows double as a silky eye liner if you take a makeup brush and apply it wet.  All the Mojo Spa products are handmade using natural ingredients.  I can get behind that!

And last, but certainly not least.  I like to paint my toenails.  Fingernails I can do without, but I am not without a certain amount of girlishness, and I like to paint my toes.  I did not want to keep using the harmful commercial nail polishes or removers.  Acetone, yuck!  So, after some research, I found Safe Nail Polish.  This stuff rocks!  Awesome colors, safe to use even on kiddos, non-acetone remover, and lasts just as long as commercial nail polish.  Summer toes coming soon!

It did take some trial and error and a fair amount of research, but I feel really good about the products we are now using.  They are good for my family, good for the earth, and we have vastly cut down on waste, and the number of items we purchase, as many can be used for multiple applications.  It's a winning situation all around!

I am always looking for tips and new ideas, so please share yours!

Peace…quiet…rest…relaxation…what?

What?!?  Huh?  What are these?  Essential parts of daily life, and so very important, that’s what.  But, as a full time job holding, business building, school attending, extremely busy, single mom of two active boys in a long term relationship, how do I find the time to rejuvenate myself?

It’s not easy, that’s for sure.  And sometimes I do wonder if I am going to actually make it.  In times like these, I try to focus on finding even just a few minutes a day to decompress and recharge to keep on living the joyful life.  Here are some things that I do – and the best thing is that they are all FREE!  

• Soak in the tub for 15 minutes (minimum) after the kids are in bed…candles, soft music, maybe book, but mostly just the quiet.
• Take a morning or evening walk – solo!
• Lie on the floor and imagine yourself filled up to the top of your head with iced tea (or whatever your favorite beverage is).  Then envision yourself being slowly emptied, relaxing each muscle as the iced tea drains ever-so-slowly out your toes.  Let it last at least 10 minutes, and breathe deeply along the way, trying to empty your mind.
• Do a Yoga video in your living room (you know you have one!)
• Go grocery shopping by yourself - and take time to browse.
• Take time to read a book, magazine, catalog or newspaper before bed…NOT on a computer, Nook or Kindle…actual paper printed materials here…there is nothing relaxing about a computer – it’s like work! (Plus, I get my news fix off the 'net during the day!)
• Turn off the radio during your commute – the quiet car can be soothing.  Put your phone on silent too.  Take some audible deep breaths.
• Every once in a while, just say ‘Screw it!’ to the housework waiting for you and just SIT DOWN!
• Teach your kids how to do housework – it gets done much quicker and they learn very valuable life skills.
• Plan time by yourself now and then – might not happen every week, but at least try.
• Trade time with another neighborhood mom or friend - the kids can have play time, and while they are gone, you can either get your things around the house done without being a referee and entertainer, or just take a nap.
• Take a few minutes each morning just after your alarm goes off to meditate, pray, stretch, plan, whatever you need to do.  Enjoy that bit of quiet time by yourself.
• And, if all else fails…take a book into the bathroom, lock the door and take 5 minutes just for you!  (No phones either!)

Not me, but wish it was!

Oven Roasted Potatoes

Want a new and healthier way to make potatoes?  Try my oven roasted potatoes.  I have it on good authority (my 8 and 11 year old sons), that these are the best potatoes ever!  Yes, even better than french fries - and that says a lot!

Oven Roasted Potatoes:

Wash and cube about 5-6 potatoes of mixed variety into 1/2" cubes  and put into a large bowl (I like red, purple and whatnot - more nutrients!  Also, leave the skins on.)

Drizzle with grapeseed oil and toss to coat (about 1 tablespoon).

Sprinkle on 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/4 tsp Pink Himalayan Sea Salt, and fresh ground pepper to taste.  Toss to coat.

For an added zip, add 1 tbsp of grated Romano cheese before tossing.

Spread on the baking pan of your choice, single layer.

Bake at 350 degrees F for about 30 minutes, or until lightly browned and slightly crispy.  Serve immediately.  These quantities feed a family of 4.  If you have a larger family, adjust the quantities accordingly.

 (Photo is prior to baking)