Spring Ahead: Chemical Free Household Products on a Budget

Last week, daylight savings time arrived for us to "Spring Ahead" into a new expected season.  Spring is a time for renewal and transformation as we celebrate new life.   Spring is also a wonderful season to purge unnecessary habits and excess clutter from our lives. As we take on the seasonal Spring cleaning, let's keep in mind what chemicals we are using around the house.  Hidden and potentially harmful toxins can be lurking in our air fresheners, household cleaners, furniture polish, and soaps.  Those of us who are battling autoimmune conditions and/or experience chemical sensitivities are better off getting rid of them; however, it is a good idea for anyone to be conscientious about what household chemicals they are exposing themselves to.  Maybe it is time to clean out our utility closets, sinks, and laundry rooms and dump our bleaches, ammonia, air fresheners, and other chemically based household products.

So, what should we use in place of the typical toxic household products?  Natural household cleaning products can be purchased or made from simple ingredients. There are a myriad of options for purchasing safer household products through specialty distributors, online services, and local whole foods stores.   I have recently noticed quite a bit of raving on social media about some of the chemical free Norwex products out there.  I've used the Norwex enviro clothes for cleaning and dusting.  Essential Oils such as lemon, orange, or tee tree oil are also popular for natural cleaning.  I am not much of an essential oils person, but we do keep a small bottle of thieves around for the flu season which is also good for getting rid of mold.

 I personally keep things simple, basic, and inexpensive when it comes to cleaning.  My favorite products are Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Hydrogen Peroxide.  You can use them for almost anything when it comes to household cleaners and personal care products.  I keep 2 spray bottles filled with equal portions of vinegar and water for cleaning and disinfecting.  I also use a combination of vinegar and baking soda for scouring and cleaning toilets.  I've recently read up on the controversy with popular antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizers being unbeneficial for our gut flora as well as concerns about the chemical triclosan (a potential carcinogen) found in these soaps.  Hydrogen peroxide is a safe natural disinfectant that I prefer to use for these purposes, and I keep a small bottle of it in my purse in place of hand sanitizer.  Lemon juice, olive oil, and salt are also known to work as good cleansers, although I do not personally use them.

When investing in soaps and laundry detergent, I look for "fragrance free" and "free and clear" products.  I often order reduced priced fragrance and chemical free hand and dish soap while I am purchasing supplements from the Swanson Vitamin website. There are also various options for safe and non-toxic laundry products.  Some people make their own chemical free laundry soap which is an excellent budget friendly option.  I completely avoid dryer sheets and fabric softener because they are loaded with fragrances, fire retardants, and other toxic chemicals.  Instead, I use laundry balls in the dryer, and I prefer to use the organic wool balls.  I have also heard that balling up aluminum foil works well to reduce static in the dryer.  We may have to try it on our laundry this Spring!

Chemical free cleaning does not have to be expensive or break the bank.  As we "Spring Ahead" into our daily routine and strive for a more natural and healthy lifestyle, we can collaborate on budget friendly, safer, and healthier ways to reduce the toxic exposure in our household products.  Now, I am inspired and motivated to get cleaning and set aside some items to donate to the Goodwill.  Happy purging my friends!

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JOYFUL TREASURES:  SPRING FEVER

"It's spring fever.  That is what the name of it is.  And when you've got it, you want -- oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!"  Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer, Detective

This time of year, I often feel restless for warmth and sunshine as I search for any sign of Spring. With winter's escape, nature unfolds crocuses and daffodils emerging from the frosty earth like the miracle of rebirth.  Spring flowers are some of the season's most treasured gifts; however, one of my favorite signs of Spring is the valiant entrance of the American robin.  Last week, I heard that familiar squeak coming from my bedroom window and looked out to see a gorgeous plump robin perched on our maple tree.  The coming of Spring is a metaphor for patience and steadfastness.   As I wait patiently for warmer weather, I treasure up joy for these simple gifts!

"The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing."  Isiah 35:1-2

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CHEMICAL FREE LIVING RESOURCES

For more ideas and resources about chemical free living, you can visit these websites:

https://www.amazon.com/The-Safe-Shoppers-Bible-Consumers/dp/0020820852

http://www.achooallergy.com/blog/dangerous-household-chemicals/

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/08/12/toxic-household-products.aspx

http://norwex.biz/

https://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/home/natural-cleaning

https://wellnessmama.com/6244/natural-cleaning-tips/

http://greatist.com/health/27-chemical-free-products-diy-spring-cleaning

http://www.greenideareviews.com/2012/03/18/aluminum-foil-dryer-balls-review-do-they-work/

The Wellness Journey: pure, simple, whole living

Welcome to my newest Blog!  This is an extension of my other Blog, "Broken Places." I would like to utilize this Blog to share helpful tips, strategies, and the nuggets of "joyful gifts" I have attained in my path for pure, simple, and whole living.  Seven years ago, I came to realize that I needed to make some dramatic lifestyle changes which motivated me to change my eating habits, wean myself off prescription medications, and eventually switch to alternative healthcare.  Six months after my initial lifestyle change, I made the difficult decision to take a leave of absence from my career as a medical social worker in order to address some chronic health problems which led to my eventual decision to stay home with my husband and three children.  These major life decisions brought on a whole new transformation in every aspect of my life.  With my first Blog, "Broken Places", I have focused on the God's sovereignty in the painful aspects of my journey with chronic health problems.  With this Blog, "JOYFUL MAMA",  I would like to focus on God's gifts in embracing the wellness path, and I have a desire to contribute something positive and fun to inspire others to choose their wellness transformation.  As we begin this path of joy and transformation, let's take a brief look at my wellness journey!

DIET FOR WELLNESS 

For me the journey began with my diet, which has evolved over the past seven years through a process of trial, error, and discovery of what works and doesn't work for my unique body chemistry.  When I first decided to eat whole foods, I eliminated all gluten, dairy, synthetic sugars, and caffeine.  Then, I met with a nutritionist who placed me on an elimination diet for chronic vertigo and migraine headaches.  Eventually, I came to realize that many food products that claimed to be "healthy" and were sold in whole food stores had preservatives and chemicals that were contributing to my vertigo, physical inflammation, and migraine headaches.  As I educated myself about foods that negatively impacted my health, I decided to eliminate all processed foods and anything that converted into sugar, including fruit and grains.  For a few years, I utilized a diet rich in legumes, a form of soluble fiber that enhances the body's natural ability to detoxify.   Unfortunately, this particular diet was inflammatory to my digestive system and my body was becoming increasingly sensitive to many more foods.  After that, I switched over to Paleo diet that was low in carbs and other inflammatory foods. Then, I transitioned into a Ketogenic diet that was beneficial for neurological/nerve impairment from chronic Lyme disease.  Finally, a year ago, I started on the GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) Diet for healing benefits of the digestive system as well as the brain/nervous system.  It has been seven years since I have had a cup of coffee, a can of soda, dessert, pizza, fast food, and other foods/beverages I once craved and ate/drank in excess, and I have not missed any of them.  Once I eliminated sugar, caffeine, and junk food out of my system, I no longer craved these inflammatory foods that negatively impacted my health.  Now, I am able to truly "taste" and appreciate natural and healthy foods.  I look forward to sharing information and tips about whole nutrition in this blog!

WHOLE LIFESTYLE FOR WELLNESS

My path for wellness has been a journey in which diet has been one piece of the puzzle.   Whole living is a way of life that is constantly evolving and changing with my experiences and knowledge about what is healthy for my mind, body, and spirit.  By engaging in adequate nutrition through diet and supplementation, eliminating household chemicals and other toxins, detoxification, rest, and exercise, I have incorporated whole living throughout my daily routine.  In this process, I have come to realize that life isn't simple and battling a chronic autoimmune condition can feel like a full time job in itself.  As a stay at home mom, writer, and wife of a franchise business owner, our lives have often felt far from simple; however, I have come to understand the importance of pacing myself.  By embracing a pure, simple, whole lifestyle, I have made the intentional effort to weed out the unnecessary aspects of my life and simplify it when I can. Spiritual and emotional wellness has been vital in this process. Through prayer and meditation, I have made intentional efforts to keep my focus on my Creator and His divine purpose in my wellness journey.  Simple, pure, and whole living starts with renewing the mind and changing the heart.  When I focus on my Creator and thank Him for all He has done, I embrace His joy in my daily routine.  This journey has been a celebration for the beautiful, simple, and sacred aspects of my life.  I want to be intentional about making sure to thank God for each wonderful gift He brings into my day.  His gifts are the transforming power for the healing and renewal that translate into wellness.

WELLNESS BENEFITS

The intentional mindset of Spiritual Renewal and Joyful Heart is the conduit for enjoyment for wellness and engaging whole living with a positive mindset.   With pure whole eating habits, simple whole living, and holistic therapies, I have noticed a spiritual, emotional, and physical transformation in my daily walk.  My contentment and confidence in God's redeeming power has empowered me to be joyful in my physical battle with an autoimmune condition and my history of Chronic Lyme.

This mindset also translates into the physical aspects of wellness, and I have also seen a physical transformation since I changed my lifestyle seven years ago.  Over a period of two to three years, I lost more than 120 pounds.  Most of my weight loss was gradual; however, I did have rapid weight loss during the times I was actively fighting Lyme disease.   I can't say that holistic therapies and whole eating habits have "cured" my health; however, I have experienced many benefits.  The dark circles under my eyes disappeared within three months of changing my diet.  For years I struggled with constant upper respiratory infection symptoms of coughing, nasal congestion, and asthma symptoms.   I no longer struggle with these symptoms and am off all of my asthma medications.  Throughout my life, I also battled daily metabolic highs and lows that seemed to revolve around my eating habits and my sugar/caffeine intake.  I no longer experience the daily sugar crashes accompanied by drowsiness and "brain fog."  My blood sugar and metabolism are the most stable they have ever been, and I enjoy the freedom of overcoming my addiction to sugar, chocolate, and caffeine.  With being on the GAPS diet, rebuilding my immune system, utilizing holistic therapies and exercises, and experiencing spiritual renewal, I find myself to have clear thinking and a joyful mindset.  This journey isn't always joyful, and it has involved a lot of setbacks in my health, but I keep persevering in being intentional about focusing on gratitude, and I have no regrets with my decision to change my diet or lifestyle.  My focus is on my God, and His unending mercies are my continued joy and hope in all circumstances!

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"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Romans 15:13

JOYFUL MAMA

The journey of the "JOYFUL MAMA" is an evolving intentional lifestyle for pure, simple, and whole living with a focus of gratitude for the gifts that life and the Creator of life offer.  I am always learning through research as well as trial and error on strategies for whole living.  I can't wait to include my readers on this journey!  Together, we can link arms and walk confidently to the path of wellness and hope!

"Joy is the realest reality, the fullest life, and joy is always given, never grasped.  God gives gifts and I give thanks and I unwrap the gift given:  joy."  --Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts:  A dare to Live Fully Right Where You are

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WHOLE LIVING RESOURCES  

To learn more about my wellness journey, you can read these blog posts from "Broken Places." http://dzehm.blogspot.com/

http://dzehm.blogspot.com/2013/06/embracing-wellness-through-alternative.html

http://dzehm.blogspot.com/2014/04/a-healthier-more-beautiful-you.html

http://dzehm.blogspot.com/2013/11/health-wellness-and-beauty-of_4739.html

http://dzehm.blogspot.com/2016/02/care-in-our-culture-part-two-invisible.html

http://dzehm.blogspot.com/2017/01/out-of-labyrinth-part-1-healing-through.html