HEALTH/ Nutrition

The Easiest Way To Get Your Probiotics

With 2 teenage girls and one preteen girl, I find myself in a season of life that just feels busy! As much as I try to slow and simplify life, their active lives make my life quite active, too! My Teagan will start driving next year which should help a bit, but in the meantime, I’ve been trying to find simple, daily routines to keep myself in the best health so that I can keep up with my girls!

You all know that I am a 2 time cancer survivor and how important health and immunity is to me. To keep taking care of myself in the middle of teenage busyness has been a goal, and one that I find I can only reach by having simple daily routines.

One of those routines is to make sure I am getting my probiotics. There are several ways to do this, but by far my favorite, most easy & simple way for me to do it is by taking Culturelle® Health & Wellness. I take one every night before I go to bed.

Culturelle

The probiotic in Culturelle works in the digestive tract to help keep the immune system healthy.

*with just one capsule per day, the immune system is provided with a clinical strength serving of 100% Lactobacillus GG containing 15 billion active cultures

* the probiotic in Culturelle helps your digestive system work better

*its probiotic restores the natural balance of good bacteria in your digestive tract where 70% of the immune system is found

*Culturelle has the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval

*it uses easy -to-open packaging and is an easy-to-swallow capsule –which I appreciate!

It is my immune support made simple.

If you want to purchase Culturelle Health & Wellness, make sure to visit their store locator and click here for an awesome coupon to take along with you.

*THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FDA. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.

Add Culturelle Health and Wellness Probiotic to your daily routine with 100% Lactobacillus GG to support your immune system and keep you healthy, so you can be 100% you all day, every day. It’s Immune Support Made Simple.*

With the seal of approval from Good Housekeeping, you can trust the daily intake of the probiotic in Culturelle Health & Wellness to support a healthy immune system.* Visit Culturelle’s website for more information.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

††Based on the number of Lactobacillus GG clinical studies, as of August 2014

Official Rules

Culturelle Probiotics sponsored this blog post. The opinions and text are all mine.

Music Renews/ Spiritual

Music To Bring Life To Your Morning

It is so easy to lose perspective in this life. When I find myself in the desert; parched, thirsty and can’t see through the dust-I turn to music.

I made a new playlist on Spotify this morning for those specific times when I just need to hear truth and gain a hopeful perspective once again.

I call it my ‘Morning Favs’ as morning is the perfect time ( as the verse in the above pic states) to find what is true and real.

I think I should have named it, ‘Drink’ for I plan to come often to this list of songs. It is a well of life-giving water to pull from & thirst no more.

HEALTH

Walking Made Fun

Are you still with me on #WalkOutWednesdays? Walk Out Wednesdays are days where Mom’s are walking out on their families for some ‘me’ time. Walking outdoors for a bit will not just benefit you and your health, but it will also benefit your family to have a Mom who is healthy and takes some time for herself.

I’ve continued using my fun little tool on my walks called the Omron Alvita Wireless Activity Tracker. It is a small little tracker that I can just put in my pocket, in my purse or clip to my waistband. It keeps track of steps, aerobic steps, distance and calories. I just tap on the screen to see my progress, which is super fun and motivating! It without a doubt makes me want to just keep walking and go further than I normally would.

The Omron Alvita Wireless Activity Tracker is also Bluetooth Smart. You can wirelessly sync your data to the Omron Fitness mobile app on your phone, where you can store months of data, view progress charts and graphs and set personal goals related to steps, miles and calories. It is super motivating to watch my daily, weekly and monthly progress!

Here are a few more things I do to make walking fun:

1. Music

Music is a powerful thing. I switch mine up depending on the mood I am in. Lately I’ve had some down days, so the combination of uplifting music and getting my exercise walking outdoors has really helped my mood. I love listening to praise and worship music especially during the spring, where everything is new and blooming. I have a few different playlists to walk to, one of my favs being all 80’s music!

2. Podcasts

Podcasts are a great way to pass the time while walking. I love listening to podcasts that can further my business, as it makes me feel super productive to exercise and learn at the same time. I come home so inspired! I also love listening to the podcast of my pastor’s sermon if I happen to miss a Sunday at church. Yep…I have church while on my walk!

3. Pretty trails or neighborhoods

We live just a block or so from one of the most beautiful neighborhood areas in town. The houses are old, several roads are still the original paved with brick, and trees and landscaping are to die for. I feel so fortunate living so close to such beauty! When I’m in the mood to see water, I will hop in my car for a 5 minute drive to a nearby lake, which has trails that go all the way around it. There is something about the early morning sun shimmering off the lake. So beautiful!

4. With a friend!

This is my favorite way to walk. I have several friends that I meet with to walk. It used to be we would meet socially for coffee, but as I brainstormed more ways to get my 10,000 steps in a day, I started asking friends for a walking date instead of a coffee date. This has worked so well. I’ve met friends all over town, depending on where they live, which keeps the scenery new. I have a sweet friend who lives right by a rural trail, so we meet at her house, have a piece of toast (toast always tastes better when someone else makes it!) then off on our walk we go. I just love it! It is so fun to get my workout in and my girlfriend time in all at the same time!

OMRON

………………..

How about you? Do you need some ‘me’ time? Is walking an exercise you think you would enjoy? Do you think it would be motivating to track your progress?

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Omron. The opinions and text are all mine.

HEALTH/ Natural Products

6 Tried & True Natural Beauty Treatments To Do At Home

These are my top 6 natural and homemade beauty products shared here at New Nostalgia. They are easy to make, healthy for the skin, and they WORK!

1. 2 Ingredient Homemade Lemon Face Scrub

I’d say this is my favorite of the bunch. Who knew lemon and sugar could make the skin feel so, so wonderful. I use this scrub every other week. There is always a bit of leftover, and when I tell my 3 lovelies that I made it, they all come running. You know it works wonderfully if teenage girls are willing to ~~fight over~~ use it!

2. Homemade & Healthy Lavender Lime Body Spray

There is something wonderfully satisfying in making your own beauty products. Especially when something like this spray would cost a pretty penny at the store. I love the scent of lavender and lime together, but if you don’t, you can use any essential oil as fragrance in this spray.

3. Coconut Lime Sugar Body Scrub

This scrub is simply divine. It smells so good, and leaves my legs feeling amazing, especially when I use it after shaving them. No need for body lotion when you use this scrub. Just rinse off, towel off, and enjoy the softness!

4. 2 Ingredient Organic Eye Makeup Remover

I’ve seen homemade eye makeup remover recipes online that are way too complicated and use way too many ingredients. This one uses just two, and is another simple recipe that works and that my girls have bought into. I just love the money I save, as having 3 girls, two of which now wear makeup, can get expensive!

5. Lemon Sugar Hand Scrub

This is a newer recipe in our household. I keep it at the kitchen sink and just love it. It is great anytime you want soft hands, but especially great after handling onions and garlic. This not only scrubs the hands, but leaves them so nice and soft. After drying, just gently rub your hands together to distribute the little bit of oil left on them as the perfect moisturizer.

6. Detox Bath

This is a beauty treatment that not only beautifies the outside by making the skin soft, but also helps your insides by giving you a nice dose of magnesium. It is so very relaxing and calming, you will come out rested and glowing.

——–

Have you ever made your own beauty products? Please share.

HEALTH/ Uncategorized

Walk Out On Wednesdays

It’s time to walk out on your family and friends! Bet you never thought you would read those words on this blog, huh?

I’m suggesting that you join me and other mom’s who are ready for some ‘me’ time on #walkoutwednesdays. It is springtime, and what better way to enjoy spring than on a walk with a friend, getting some much-needed ‘me’ time and exercise at the same time?

Did you know that the average mom only spends 15 minutes a day on themselves? That is must not enough! We do so very much for our families, from carpooling to all of those dinners, running errands…it seems to never stop… so how about a walk out? One that will benefit those much-loved friends and family members.

I’m learning if I don’t take care of myself, I won’t have my best to give to my family, and walking is one of my most favorite ways to take care of my body and mind. I’m especially excited as spring is here and I can leave my treadmill and walk out on my sweet family and into the beautiful outdoors.

Can’t seem to coordinate with a friend? Then walk out alone. Sometimes, especially for us introverts, ‘me time’ at times means alone time. You can walk with a friend, your husband, your dog, or just by yourself. Regardless, just do it!

………………..

Here are a few amazing benefits of walking:

~improves heart health by increasing heart rate and circulation

~improves blood pressure

~engages ab muscles

~builds bone mass

~strengthens legs, including quadriceps, hip flexors and hamstrings

~reduces risk of osteoporosis

~works arm and shoulder muscles

~improves balance

~boosts endorphins, easing stress, tension, anger, fatigue and confusion in 10 minutes

{from everybodywalk.org}

………………..

Omron Alvita Wireless Activity Tracker

A fun little tool I have been using on my walks is the Omron Alvita Wireless Activity Tracker. It is a small little tracker that I can just put in my pocket, in my purse or clip to my waistband. It keeps track of steps, aerobic steps, distance and calories. I just tap on the screen to see my progress, which is super fun and motivating!

The Omron Alvita Wireless Activity Tracker is Bluetooth Smart. You can wirelessly sync your data to the Omron Fitness mobile app on your phone, where you can store months of data, view progress charts and graphs and set personal goals related to steps, miles and calories. It is super motivating to watch my daily, weekly and monthly progress!

How about you? Do you need some ‘me’ time? Is walking an exercise you think you would enjoy? Do you think it would be motivating to track your progress?

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Omron. The opinions and text are all mine.

5 Minute Fridays/ Cancer Journey/ HEALTH/ Spiritual

Staying Open When You Want To Grip Closed

Participating in 5 Minute Fridays. 5 minutes to write about one word. Unedited.

This week’s word: OPEN.

………………..

GO:

“Open your heart, open your hands, keep open to me, my Darling.”

My Savior woos.

This temptation to grip tight & close, to go inward–it is especially strong as of late.

My actions would match the pit in my stomach, tight & gripped.

I know He has plans and purpose, even in the struggle…especially in the struggle.

This physical body, this shell I live in…it can be such a complicated thing. Physical, emotional, spiritual. All entwined.

Yesterday I read the report of my physical body. A simple blood test brought rave reviews! High vitamin D levels, perfect blood levels, normal cholesterol. Blood pressure is nice and low. Oh, how I praise You! I get to live!

So here is my prayer. Lord, hear my cry!

Lord? These medications I take to keep this shell of mine free from that which would kill me?

I don’t like them. I’m thankful for them, but I don’t like them.

They make my stomach clench closed.

But here is the deal. I will remain.

I remain in you. You hold me and have me. Your hand is open, holding, cradling, full of the whole world and me.

I will remain in you. I will open to your plan. I will obey & humble & search and find.

I will walk, even stumble forward and will not give in to despair.

I will seek, I will find. You are here as You always have been, and always will be.

I will open.

STOP.

………………..

As you can tell, I’m still struggling to find my center. I feel we are close to finding some answers to make the medications I take a bit more bearable emotionally. In a nutshell, the shot I talk about here and another medication that I take to sweep up every bit of estrogen and progesterone in my body seems to sweep up more than just hormone. It sweeps up my spark, too, and it has been the biggest of challenges.

We are searching and finding some answers, but it all takes time. In the meantime, I covet your prayers.

………………..

Can you relate? Has depression put a lid on you? Has anxiety got your stomach in knots?

There are answers. Search for them. Fight for health. Do what it takes. Do not be afraid to reach out. Find a counselor. Find a trusted psychiatrist. It is worth it, you are worth it.

Some simple things you can do for yourself at home that might help?

~take a detox bath

~meditate on the Truth of God’s Word

~tell a trusted friend

~take vitamins and supplements

~exercise…even if just a short walk

~take melatonin for sleep (ask your doc first)

~wake a bit early for quiet time, especially if it is the only quiet you get in a day

~never lose hope

5 Minute Fridays/ HOME/ Spiritual

Wait – Five Minute Friday

I’m happy to be linking up to Five Minute Friday.

Five minutes to write on the word: Welcome.

Write–don’t edit–just 5 minutes to be in the moment–

————————

But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don’t get tired,
they walk and don’t lag behind.

Isaiah 40:31

Go:

Wait.

The month of January, this year of 2015, is a month and year where I have placed & prioritized stillness, quiet, meditation & waiting, into my day.

I realized I am responsible for my own spirit, and that we are to take inventory of how our spirits are doing, for what flows out of our spirit is what flows– into our day, into life.

The time I found to wait & meditate had to be early morning, for it is the only time my home is still enough for me to still.

I have found that waiting in the early dawn when the day is just beginning, is just the beginning.

I’ve learned, as the verse says above, that waiting is often movement…a doing.

I still to trust, I trust then act.

I still to find strength, to run and not grow weary.

I wait so that I may walk and not get stuck or lag behind.

I have yet to feel a consistency of soaring with eagles, as these moments are still too few and far between, yet my spirit longs for this Heaven on earth, this promised Kingdom come.

I hold on to this promise, this hope of His Kingdom come, and rest.

His precious will be done.

Stop.

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