Even More Natural

I have always tried to be aware of what I ate and what products I used on my body.

The more natural the better has always been my motto.

No processed foods, no make-up, and the "most natural" soaps and lotions I could find in the market that were not too expensive.

The expensive part has taken a jump these days and combine that with healthy or natural products and the price skyrockets.

So, I have been doing a lot of reading and researching.

Time to try making some of my own lotions, soaps, and shampoos.

This has always made me nervous thinking I couldn't do it right.

But I don't want to keep using all the chemical mixtures on the store shelves on my skin and hair any longer.

And if others can do it successfully, then I don't see why I can't.

I have ordered several types of organic carrier oils that are meant for my skin type - grapeseed, almond, apricot, and my favorite, jojoba.

I already have several bottles of essential oils, and my kitchen is stocked with herbs for cooking - and many of them are also used for skin and hair care.

My daughter is the queen of aloe vera plants - they multiply like crazy for her - so adding them to my supplies will be too easy.

I will start with very small batches, breaking down some of the recipes I have found to just a couple day's supply to see how well they work.

Once I know what works best, I can make bigger batches.

But as with natural products, they don't have the preservatives that the chemical ones do, so they are only good for so long.

I am excited to try mixing and creating my own "potions".

And of course I will share my findings right here!

Stevia Sweetener

In a previous post, I discussed how I was watching the added sugar intake in my diet.

It hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be, and I really do feel better because of it.

I tried the different sugar substitutes on the market, but I couldn't get past the thought that they were artificial chemicals - something our bodies should not be ingesting.

Even the stevia sweeteners on the market have been processed with additional ingredients.

They are white and look like sugar.

The natural stevia plant is green.

So why not go straight to the source - the plant itself.

I ordered some dried leaves and soaked them in some vodka for 24 hours.

After straining it, it is ready to use.

It only takes 1/2 a teaspoon to sweeten a  16 ounce cup of iced tea.

With no calories and no affect on blood glucose levels either.

And it is all totally natural.

I think next time I will make it with water instead of vodka.

It only lasts a couple if weeks in the refrigerator though, so it will have to be a smaller batch as the alcohol preserves the vodka method indefinitely.

I am giving some thought to purchasing some seeds and growing it myself this summer.

I am glad to have discovered it - it is amazing what mother nature provides!

Cute Outfit for Spring

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of No nonsense for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

The January thaw that we have been having this past week has the mind wandering to the next season.

Spring!

And a new dress for the new season can always bring a smile.

Checking out some of the new styles for this season, I found a cute outfit that is just the right color for spring.

A light blue dress with a graceful touch of lace around the neckline and puffy sleeves that are long for those chilly New England days is what I call a perfect dress.

Classic blue pumps and a white shoulder bag match perfectly with the dress.

But what ties the whole outfit together are the white tights.

No nonsense tights and leggings have a way adding just what is needed to complete an outfit.

And with all the colors that are available, there is a pair for every occasion and every outfit.

They can even be purchased at many food and drug stores, so dropping a pair in the cart while grocery shopping couldn't be easier.

They are a very affordable way to perk up an old outfit too - making it look new and different.

And I agree with the new face of No nonsense, Jill Martin.

She is a leading fashion expert and she thinks these trendy, high quality tights and leggings can change any outfit without costing and arm and leg.

To keep up with all the news on these new products, Like No nonsense on Facebook and follow them onTwitter @benononsense.

Good fashion that is affodable is just we all need during these trying economic times.

 

Watching the Sugars

It comes in many different colors and forms and even has many different names.

But unless it is naturally occurring in the food that is eaten, it is considered an "added sugar" in any of it's forms.

Back in 2008, sugar consumption in the US was 136 pounds per person per year.

That's above and beyond the natural sugars already in our fruits, vegetables, and milk.

And the rest of the world is not far behind us in their consumption too.

Heck, I have even seen our cat eating the sweet-eating ants in the summer, and everyone knows how much bears love honey.

Sugar is just too good and all the Earth's creatures love it.

Even though it is considered "empty calories" it is necessary in supplying the brain with energy.

But being human, it is easy to let our love of something get too far out of hand.

Too much sugar contributes to many health problems, the most widespread being, obesity.

And that leads to many other diseases and ailments which can all be avoided.

So, I have been carefully watching my "added sugar" intake over the last six weeks.

According to my weight and calorie intake, it is recommended that I get 25 grams of added sugar a day.

Man, I was getting over that in just my breakfast alone.

And that iced tea that we always prided on making ourselves - that needed a serious makeover too.

That added sugar is everywhere and in everything.

And I am not one who will substitute those no calorie sweeteners to take the place of the real thing.

Don't need those fake chemicals that do their own damages in other ways.

When I first cut out the sugar, I was eating none, even the naturally occurring ones in the fruits.

But after reading more, I realized that those ones don't count.

I needed to only count the added sugars.

And when it comes down to it, it really isn't all that bad after all.

Even during the holidays with all the goodies, I could get by on just a nibble.

And that is still all that is needed now - it really does work.

And all my tea has been sugar free as well, and I enjoy it just the same.

And the weird thing, I can even taste the sugars in the lettuce now.

Who would have thought that?

Huge Cantaloupes

The cantaloupe melons seem to be running large this season.

The market has a fresh batch from Central America, and they are on sale this week.

I couldn't believe the size of the melon that I was getting for only $1.50.

I weighted it when I got home - 5 pounds on the button.

Now, that is going to be a heavy melon on our innards, or it is going to have us running to the bathroom from all it's water content.

It is a very tasty one - sweet and just the right ripeness.

Due to their textured skins, I always make sure I scrub them with a brush under running water to remove the potential harmful bacteria that settles into the nooks and crannies in the rind.

Cubed and served, they sure are a healthy, delicious snack!