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
I find it interesting when people tell me I'm 'the picture of good health'. I mean what does that even look like!? I am, of course, a high-vibing, fitness fanatic, crystal loving, zen making, nutritional self care guru. Haha! But really, what they don't see or know is the journey I've been on--now the middle aged woman who has spent years of research of nutrition, digging deep into self development and discipline with learning, unlearning and relearning, daily work outs and lifestyle choices. As well as learning to let go of others opinions, shift negative thoughts, and work really hard on creating a healthy toxin free environment in my home both physically and mentally. It doesn't happen over night.
You see, for much of my life I've let my fear of what others think of me control me and my choices. I let these views direct and defeat me, even let people use me and abuse me. In turn, I chose to abuse my own body, make unhealthy choices, and even went against my values just to fit in just to make others happy.
It took me years to figure out that I have to work on myself and be happy with myself, that it's an inside job. Many self development workshops, coaching and buckets of tears later...I experienced so much guilt and shame from it all AND I learned to let that shiz go. I was told many times--if you're not growing (personally), you're dying. So now I invite growth and development daily. Let me tell you--the choices you make today will definitely have impact you tomorrow.
You see, when I was a teen I found interest in fitness, nutrition and wellbeing, What I didn't know is that I was just doing it all wrong. I wrestled with a negative mindset, letting others opinions take over me, abusing my body with food and alcohol, with years of eating disorders and loads of over exercise. I had finally hit a wall and made a complete 180 in taking total care for myself. The right way.
These past choices turned into an ongoing battle with hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiencies. I've spent the past 20+ years trying to solve my puzzle. Our bodies are so fascinating as are our minds. I am positive I created these imbalances from my past choices, toxic environment and mindset. Now I feed my body to support my hormones and my mood and this has been a legit game changer. Especially as I age. We don't know what we don't know!
So when you see me drinking the celery juice and think 'oh she's the picture of good health', I want people to know there's a story behind my lifestyle lectures and it's to feed my body nutrition and share the outcome with others. When you see people who you think are the picture of good health, fitness or always carry joyful mindsets--take wonder at their story...Be curious. How did they get there, what was their journey like? What choices did they make? Seek them out and ask them.
Everyone makes choices...It's the choices you make today that will create your tomorrow. Make good choices. Go inward. Listen to your body and the observe the circumstances you surround yourself with. Take note and search for your solutions. Everyone has a story and this is just a snippet of mine.
You my friend are worth taking the time for.
I'm just curious, what do you do to keep in good health?
Also, do you juice?
Organic Celery for juicing available at your local grocer or garden
Get your Omega Juicer here
