Ingredients to avoid in your products

Ingredients to avoid in your products
What I love about a quick DIY perfume, air freshener or linen spray is that I get to decide what goes in my home.  I mean I am the gatekeeper.  Just because the tv commercial or store shelf promotes it does not mean it's good for me.  I'm so happy I've learned how to read ingredients, research what they are and make a choice that best suits me and my family.  Now that I have become an ingredient snob, we no longer suffer from sinus infections, harsh coughs, headaches, rashes and a host of other things "we thought were normal".  

It all started with food first, but that's another chapter.  This one is about products.  I love that one bottle of plant blood can not only support our health, mind, body, but also do some cleaning, cooking and make other products I no longer have to buy from the store.  Like cleaners, perfumes, air fresheners, goo gone, linen sprays, etc.  

First and foremost, if your product says the word "fragrance" in the ingredient list, say NO! That one word alone can have a whole host of harsh toxic ingredients in the product.  A few words to steer clear from in your products include but not limited to include: 
parabens (look for words with methyl, ethyl, butyl)
alcohols
chlorine
aluminum (heavy metal)
phthalates (plastics)
talc
ceteareth-20
PABA
anything synthetic
dyes
and preservatives.  

So what do I use in place of some of these ingredients you ask?  Great questions...organic vodka, witch hazel, filtered water, seed to seal guaranteed essential oils, medical grade diffusers, and lots of fun bottles and labels! I hope this helps you on your start to choosing toxin free products.  

Always reach out to me at livewellwithmichelle@live.com or check out my clean products choices I use for my family.   
I'd be happy to do a cabinet consult with you where I walk you through a cabinet sweep or product swaps.  

Living Well, 
Michelle

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! 


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