Why I Dry Brush

Why I Dry Brush
Have you dry brushed?  It's been a practice of mine for many years.  I love the benefits and how I feel afterwards.  
As with anything, consistency is key.  
Dry brushing is more known as an Ayurvedic practice.  Regardless I believe it is a beautiful, simple health and beauty regime.   Benefits of dry brushing include stimulation of lymphatic and circulatory systems, release of toxins, exfoliation of superficial skin cells, rejuvenate and stimulate the body, and relax and soothe skin. 


What you need: 
A natural fiber dry brush with or without handle.  You can find them at many beauty supply stores or beauty departments and are fairly inexpensive at under $10.  
The one I have is here: https://amzn.to/3z7QHUl

What I recommend: 
Incorporate 1-3 times a week before shower or bath.  Morning or night.  Consistency is key! 

Start at your feet and work your way up towards the heart. Always flow your dry brush toward the heart for detoxification. 
I like to start at my right foot and work all the way up my leg in three's on each section of my leg, then from the waist up to armpit, work across toward heart, then hold an arm up and start at hand working down to arm pit again in three's, and repeat on other side.  If your brush has a handle, do your back side or have a loved one do this for you.  Again working in three strokes upward toward the head.  Always use a very gentle mild pressure, not rubbing.   
Check out my YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/FCzjuu1HQ9E

Next, shower or bath.  Afterwards, apply your favorite nourishing body oils.  If you have a sluggish lymphatic or circulatory system, I love and recommend CelLite Magic massage oils.   Genesis Body Lotion or my DIY Glow Skin Serum which contains the finest oils of CBD, rose, helichrysum, carrot seed, lavender, Frankincense, Valor, Copaiba and more are perfect nourishing products.  You can get these essentials here: https://livewellwithmichelleyl.lifestepseo.com

Avoid dry brushing if you have: 
Sensitive skin
Wounds
Skin Conditions
Inflammation 
Sun burn 

Dry Brushing is a wonderful component to a healthy lifestyle, detox program and after a good work out as well.  
I'd love to hear your experiences with dry brushing.  

Join my free Facebook community of women for more middle aged lifestyle benefits here https://www.facebook.com/groups/442353096999687


Detox Foot Bath

Detox Foot Bath

I’ve been feeling a little sluggish lately so I got out my Foot Detox Bath knowing I have been exposed to a lot crud recently plus it’s been a good month since a good foot detox.  


So here I am chilling in my back porch pampering, enjoying nature and the soothing of all this.  Ahhhh.  

My ahhh quickly turned to EWWW immediately when I looked down at my foot bath.  What is the world is all that??  Never have I EVER had my water turn this before (see pic)  Usually it’s a good orange (joints) and black flecks (heavy metals) mixed with a little this and that.  But THIS?  Oh my whatta detox.  


Well, as Shrek would say, better out than in I say to myself! 


PS-I know…I was skeptical too until my Accupuncturist had me start doing them and I did my own research as well so I decided to get my own. Want one of your own too? Get it here using my discount code cause I’m all about saving money- that’s what friends are for—

https://optimum-detox.kckb.st/livewell 



Good thing after all this pampering detox, I received a surge of energy to make dinner and relax the rest of the evening.  I would suggest doing the foot detox in the morning and/or evening time.  BOO with what works in your day, starting slow and building up.  It can have detox effects if the body in deficient.  

Check back to see my results as this detox wellness support journey continues! 

Do you Detox in some way? I'd love to hear from you! 


Hot Mess Moody Biotch

Hot Mess Moody Biotch

I was and sometimes still am such a moody thing, up down and all around feeling like a total hot mess.  Turns out estrogen dominance is a key player.  When I first had my full hormonal lab panels drawn, vials and vials of blood, I learned of this is a type of hormonal imbalance in which the body produces too much estrogen. 


Experiencing estrogen dominance during the transition into perimenopause, the body will produce less progesterone but keep producing the same levels of estrogen. This causes an imbalance that causes unpleasant symptoms; similar to those of perimenopause, menopause, or even PMS. 


Precisely timed lab tests are required to diagnose estrogen dominance. If you experience the following symptoms, I encourage you to schedule an appointment with a hormonal specialist, OB/GYN or reproductive endocrinologist. I prefer a holistic functional medicine hormone specialist. To find one in your area, do a search or ask for recommendations or referrals to a specialist, and/or demand your doctor perform the precise hormonal lab protocols.  Reminder, they work for you.  


BioIdentical Hormone replacement therapy can help alleviate these symptoms. I highly recommend bio identical hormones and NOT mainstream medicine synthetic hormone replacements.  My personal favorites hormonal help to support my hot mess include Progessence Plus Serum, Endoflex, Thyromin, paleo, exercise and rest.  


Common symptoms include: 

Mood Swings

Any slight change in hormones can cause emotional and mood swings. If your mood changes quickly and dramatically for no identifiable reason, it may be because you have too much estrogen.  


Irritability

In addition to noticeable changes in mood, women experiencing estrogen dominance may also be more irritable in general. Everyone has their bad days, but if everything is getting under your skin all the time, then a hormonal issue might be to blame.


Decreased Libido

Women with estrogen dominance may have a lower libido than normal. This is due in part to the imbalance in estrogen and progesterone, but you could argue the other symptoms on this list wouldn’t exactly “put you in the mood” either.  With these changes comes vaginal dryness and discomfort. Be sure to use toxin free natural products like coconut oil for assistance. 


PMS Symptoms

Another sign of estrogen dominance is worsening PMS symptoms. Breast tenderness, headaches, acne flare-ups, and mood changes may become more pronounced.


Irregular Menstrual Periods

Hormone imbalances in women will often disrupt their menstrual cycles. Menstrual periods can occur less frequently or more frequently. They may also change in duration. This symptom can be hard to notice for some women who already have irregular cycles.


Heavy Periods

Women with too much estrogen may have heavy and painful periods. This can happen to women who still get their period regularly and those who are experiencing irregular periods.


Bloating

Women experience bloating at different times in their menstrual cycles. Most women who get regular periods can estimate when in their cycle this will occur. In cases of estrogen dominance, you might be bloated at a different time. Irregular and heavy periods may also cause unexpected bloating.


Breast Tenderness or feeling of Engorgement  

Enlarged swollen and tender breast tissue sensitive or hot to the touch, and even cystic is a red flag for estrogen dominance.  Many women have fibrocystic breast tissue which can cause glands to swell and feel painful to touch. Estrogen increase can enhance this and cause pain.  Proper nutrition and hormonal balance can help. 


Puffiness & Swollen Extremities  

Extreme hormonal imbalance can also create inflammation and cause tissues to swell making you look puffy. 


Weight Gain

Putting on weight when your diet or exercise habits have not changed might be a sign of another health condition. This symptom may also present itself as an increase in body or carrying your weight in different places than before and less muscle tone. 


Anxiety

Women with too much estrogen often experience anxiety and have panic attacks. There’s a major difference between anxiety and worrying about the things that most people do. Anxiety is more of a general feeling while worries are about specific things. Anxiety may also cause physical symptoms like light headedness, nausea or a racing heart or tightness in the chest.


Hair Loss

As women age, they may experience some hair loss. This can happen during perimenopause or menopause. But if it happens before menopause it might be one of the signs of estrogen dominance or even a Thyroid condition. 


Sleep 

Trouble sleeping is a common symptom of many problems involving hormones. If you toss and turn and can’t get to sleep even when you’re tired,  or

The opposite. If you experience extreme fatigue or sleep too much you should consider an appointment to see your doctor for lab tests. 


Fatigue

Unfortunately, estrogen dominance can cause extreme fatigue. This symptom can occur whether or not you have insomnia. If you experience persistent tiredness or feel more drained of energy than usual, talk to your doctor about being tested for hormonal issues.


Fertility Issues

Fertility issues are not uncommon in women who have hormonal imbalances like estrogen dominance. This issue may also be compounded by the fact that women with estrogen dominance are often over 35 but could also be younger when fertility naturally declines and not enough progesterone.  


Memory & Mental Fog

If you have consistent problems recalling details or putting your thoughts together, then you may have an imbalance in hormones.


Hot Flashes & Night Sweats

Just like with menopause, hot flashes and night sweats can be signs of estrogen dominance. 


Want more information and support with a community of women with similar experiences? 

Join my free group here http://bitly.ws/cDIT

Why I drink celery juice

Why I drink celery juice
Celery.  Juice?  I had no idea celery even had juice.  I've always enjoyed snacking on celery and dipping it into my almond butter.  Even making 'ants on a log' for my kiddos; you know spreading PB topped with raisins.  But juice?  That intrigued me.  My ongoing journey to further support my health from hypothyroidism and hormonal imbalances led me to celery juice.  Being a researcher my nature, I stumbled upon Anthony Williams (aka the medical medium), read his some of his books and decided why not try it?  I mean celery is good for you, so its juice must be too.   

I juice 4-6 stalks a week which last me approximately 4-6 days worth of juice.  This will vary individually on how much and how often you choose to drink it as well as the size of the stalks and juicer you use.   To juice a few days worth, always use organic celery with a masticating juicer like the one I have here, Omega Juicer so it will be safe to store up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator .  This Omega juicer is my newest upgraded version.  I love it because it's quite, super affordable, heavy duty, super easy to use, clean and store and keeps all the juice nutrients without oxidation.  It also has multiple settings for juicing, sorbet, pasta making, nut butters, and all sorts of other recipe options.   

If you're new to juicing like I was three years ago, this affordable juicer is super duper easy to use and clean  Hamilton Beach-affordable for the newbie juicer.   It was my very first juicer and held up for over a year with daily use for juicing and was easy to use and clean.  If you use this one, only make up 1-2 days worth at most for best nutrient benefits.  

To start, cut the ends off the stalk, cut stalk in half and be sure to clean/rinse your celery regardless if it's organic (a lot of dirt and pests can be transferred).   I love to use my produce spinner for ease
 Produce Spinner-easy to clean & dry produce.  Then you're ready to feed through your juicer.  Read your instructions fully for maximum benefits.  

Store celery juice using a large glass jar with air tight cover and refrigerate immediately and pour as needed daily; or use multiple glass jar mugs with covers and simply grab a mug every morning.  

For best results, celery juice should be consumed right away in the morning at least one half hour before meals.  

Benefits of celery juice for me include extra vitamins and minerals, improved detoxification and elimination, increased energy, better sleep, improved digestion, clear skin, and improved immune system.  You may experience looser stools and or more frequent stools early on as did I.  

When I initially started, I juiced celery daily for almost a year straight.  Now in my third year, I do it in increments skipping weeks/month at a time, typically no longer than a month before I start again.  My consistency is about 1-2 weeks per month.   I am pretty intuitive with my body and can tell when I need it.  

Celery juicing and juicing in general is not a one and done or one size fits all.  My research and experience with it has shown that my personal consistency, better nutritional choices, and physical activity is vital for best results. I also consume other juices like beet juice and add smoothies throughout my day for even more nutritional impact.   

Do you juice celery or any other kind of juice?  I'd love to hear your experiences.  


Disclaimer: I am not a doctor.  I do not prescribe or diagnose. These words are simply my experience and my protocol for what works best for my body and lifestyle.  As always, please consult your health practitioner before beginning.   

Disclosure:  Affiliate links are provided here which means when you purchase an item from my recommended link, you help support my family.  
Don't worry, the price is the same for you either way.  Thanks so much for your support and for stopping by 😊 

 to learn more about celery juice with Anthony Williams click here https://www.medicalmedium.com/blog/celery-juice

I am Woman

I am Woman
Why is my heart beating out of my chest? 
Why am I happy one minute and balling the next? 
Why I am motivated with one idea only to feel fatigued and helpless over it the next minute?  
Why do I love everything and hate everything in the same millisecond? 
Maybe I am crazy. It’s not like I am never called that. Maybe I am. 
Why am I still in my pjs the third day in a row? Is it just because it’s 2020?

No...NO... I am a woman. Blessed with cycles and phases—a taboo that no one seems to talk realistic about unless I chat with my dr.  You know, like post partum depression-It’s a thing friends—Perimenopause is real. Why isn’t it addressed more? My path with perimenopause has been a long haul to say the least. All this time, I seriously thought I had some legit mental health issues. Well maybe I do. 


Thankfully, I’ve been equipped with tools, resources, and exercises in my tool belt over the years to combat some of those symptoms.  Sometimes though, no matter what, these tools just don’t seem to help. I follow the cleansing, plant based, toxin free, mindset shifts, fitness, restful, supplemental, mindful route and still STILL I feel at a total womanly loss some days. 


What am I doing wrong? What’s wrong with me? 
I feel like an outcast sitting with loneliness, withdrawal from friends and family, self pity, low self esteem, weakness, sadness, total unsexy, mean and hostile feelings of helplessness.  
Moody anyone? It’s like worse than the snarky teen years.


Let me tell you, hormones can be nasty to us when we are in a state of unbalance, which can be often; because hormones are constantly changing with our chemistry and cells; especially menopause. 
No matter what we do. It’s a never ending ebb and flow, like the waves of the ocean. 
Especially in the peri- menopausal state.


Beating myself up because I’m experiencing all that God has made me to be and experience as a woman is not the way to self acceptance. Just like every *body* is different and unique, all peri-menopausal experiences will be too. 

The endless crying like my cat literally just died, the painful cramps and release of what seems like gushing forceful gallons of blood with cramps like birthing contractions all over again, the sleepless nights, the overly tired days of exhaustion….

Just when I think I get it all under control with all my tools in my belt and feel great….
WHAM 💥 that wave comes and blasts it all away leaving me feel like a drowned rat.


Let’s just say with a little rest and self reflection, choosing the right tools in my tool belt, and loads of grace and ease, I WILL embrace this aging time in womanhood. 

Right now, I am so happy and grateful for the education I recently experienced in my Yoga Teacher Training on breath work as it has been a total blessing, along with using my essential oils to support my emotions and uncomfortable symptoms;  while also choosing healthful foods and lots of rest.

Grace and Ease ladies. 
Grace and Ease. 
You are not crazy. 
You are Woman. 
A Beautiful Perfect Woman. 
Embrace each phase.
With Gratitude and Faith. 


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cork yoga wheel 
 
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