Today’s giveaway is a beautiful one from Toby and Max! One reader will receive their “Believe in Yourself” charm bracelet. All Toby and Max designs are original works by Sandy Comstock. They are all proudly MADE IN AMERICA.
Here is a sampling of some of their amazing work. The Giveaway is #4.
1. Sweetly Simple is a limited edition pendant with a petite hand-wrapped nest holding 3 freshwater pearls. It hangs on a darling little branch. It is in mixed metals.
2. The Protect Me pendant in mixed media is a beautiful, heavier piece cast in repurposed pewter and hung on an espreso cord. It has a lovely angel’s wing on the front and the words “Protect Me” on the back. This particular design is part of Sandy’s Studio Collection and has two little charms on it – one that’s a four sided bronze heart, and the other is a hand-wrapped turqoise bead.
3. Be the Person Your Dog Thinks You Are is a sterling silver link bracelet and a BIG favorite with all our dog lovers. We had retired this design for several years but just brought it back into the collection due to so many requests.
4. Hopeful Romantic.This heart-shaped pendant adorned with a pure as snow hand-wrapped white freshwater pearl reads “Hopeful Romantic”. It is beautifully antiqued in silver and sweetly sentimental…a romantic and affordable gift for anyone who loves being in love!
5. The “Baubles” pewter pet tags/charms. Lots of cute sayings. Most are engraveable on the back.
6. Be Good to Yourself Get a Dog is another link bracelet done in pewter & bronze, a nice affordable option for our dog lovers. // As always, all our Tobyand Max designs are originals works by Sandy Comstock and still MADE IN AMERICA (we’re pretty proud of that!).
I am a HUGE fan of coconut oil, for many reasons. I LOVE IT!
The main way I started using coconut oil was topically. This was because I read about how so many body lotions contain parabens and chemicals, and with my cancer history, I am being very purposeful about getting rid of as many toxins in this house and on my body as possible!
Its been all over the news that they are finding parabens in the breast cancer survivors breast tissue. My ears perked up with this because I have been in the beauty business for years as a cosmetologist, and parabans seem to be in EVERY beauty product. I have also met way too many young hairstylists that also battled breast cancer, and it has made us all say “hmm.”
Parabens are a group of compounds widely used as antimicrobial preservatives in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, including underarm deodorants. Parabens are absorbed through intact skin and from the gastrointestinal tract and blood.
Measurable concentrations of six different parabens have been identified in biopsy samples from breast tumors (Darbre, 2004). The particular parabens were found in relative concentrations that closely parallel their use in the synthesis of cosmetic products (Rastogi, 1995). Parabens have also been found in almost all urine samples examined from a demographically diverse sample of U.S. adults (Ye, 2006a).
Parabens are estrogen mimickers, with the potency of the agonistic response being related to the chemical structure (Darbre, 2008). They can bind to the cellular estrogen receptor (Routledge, 1998). They also increase the expression of many genes that are usually regulated by estradiol and cause human breast tumor cells (MCF-7 cells) to grow and proliferate in vitro (Byford, 2002; Pugazhendhi, 2007). Nevertheless, parabens as a class do not fully mimic estradiol in the changes in cellular gene expression nor are the effects of all parabens identical (Sadler, 2009).
“Parabens are estrogen mimickers.” This really made me pause, as my cancer and the majority of breast cancers are fed by hormones. I had symptoms of estrogen dominance for years and I often wonder if this contributed to my diagnosis.
As I have been trying to avoid parabens, I have been on a kick of making my own beauty products. There are some wonderful healthy organic body products out there, but they usually end up costing “an arm and a leg,” so have been quite motivated to make my own or to figure out a simple, inexpensive & healthy alternative.
I’ve also used coconut oil as my main cooking and baking oil for a couple of years now. The below recipe has been viewed over 632,238 times! It is one of the most popular recipes here at New Nostalgia, and for good reason. It is delicious. Funny how my most popular recipe was created by a mess up!
The above Oatmeal Whole Wheat Quick Bread is a great recipe to have on hand. It takes just minutes to throw together and it is good for you. I often make it when we are having pasta and I need a quick bread to dip in the sauce.
–I buy a large container on Amazon, I love the Nutiva brand. It is organic and wonderful. Trader Joes also started carrying coconut oil. Yay!
–Coconut oil is very unique. It is a solid up to I think 76 degrees, then becomes a liquid. So depending on the temperature of your house, you will either be scooping the oil if solid, or pouring it if liquid.
— For beauty purposes, I scoop some out and store in a small 8 oz mason jar. I love the Elite series glass jars. They have a nice wide mouth and are a cute shape. I also keep coconut oil in a small 4oz jar to throw into my gym bag.
I am new to Coconut Palm Sugar, and have quickly become a big fan. I use it in my coffee, on my oatmeal and have even tried it in a Wholegrain Blueberry Coffee Cake recipe (which came out fantastic, I will post the recipe soon).
I was first introduced to coconut palm sugar when I visited my friend Karen in California. She is a sister survivor that I met through this blog (read more of our story here). We are both now very dedicated to health, and seeking out ways to improve our nutrient intake. Karen wrote a bit about coconut palm sugar on her blog, I Choose Hope. She uses it in her Choose Hope Chai Latte.
This pretty bag of organic coconut palm sugar caught my eye recently at our local health food store. I have wanted to try coconut palm sugar, and I’m a sucker for pretty packaging! The price was much higher than what I wanted to pay, $6.99 for 16oz! Next time I will order from Amazon, it is $2 bucks cheaper!
Despite the crazy price, I have really enjoyed using coconut palm sugar. It DOES NOT have a coconut taste. It is sweet, with just a slight hint of caramel-ly flavor. It is “pure coconut flower blossom nectar.” It does wonders for my bowl of oatmeal in the morning. Delicious!
What sold me on this product was that it is a sweetener that also has nutrient benefits for the body. It is naturally nutrient-rich. You use it just as you would normally use sugar, it is a perfect 1:1 ratio. It is unrefined, vegan & gluten free.
Here are 6 reasons to replace sugar with coconut palm sugar:
1. Magnesium & Nitrogen Regulated blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Helps prevent and manage hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
2. Zinc Called the “nutrient of intelligence” and is necessary for mental development.
3. Low Glycemic* Slow absorption into the bloodstream, which means a happier and healthier body. No “sugar crash” like other sweeteners give you.
4. Potassium Electrolytes help with muscular strength, cramps, diabetes maintenance and brain function.
5. Calcium Builds strong bones, reduces high blood pressure and kidney stones, and aids in weight management.
6. Amino Acids Coconut sugar contains 16 vital amino acids, the building blocks for all life.
*These statements have not been approved by the FDA. Those with sugar related illness and disease should consult with a doctor before consuming any sweetener.
I just chose a winner for my last Celestial Seasonings 31 Days of TeaLC giveaway, and there was so much excitement about it that I though we should do one more!
I talked last week about just how much I love hot beverages in the winter. I love chai, coffee and tea, but because I am a cancer survivor, health and immunity are super important to me. With this in mind, I have been wanting to drink less coffee and more tea, and joined in on Celestial Seasonings 31 Days of TeaLC Challenge. My personal challenge is to replace my typical 2nd cup of coffee, the one I usually drink in the afternoon, with tea!
My friends at Celestial Seasonings recently sent a bunch of their new wellness teas, just in time for my 31 Days of TeaLC Challenge. I have LOVED trying out their new products, and have been reallyimpressed with the emphasis their teas have on health! This month is more than half way over and I have found that this 31 day challenge really isn’t much of a challenge for me because it has been a very delicious challenge!
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During my last giveaway, I asked you to comment on what your favorite Celestial Seasonings teas are. I loved the response I got from you! Here are the most popular flavors according to New Nostalgia readers!
~ Sleepytime teas were by far the most popular. Many of you commented on how they really do work and help you fall asleep. The Vanilla, Peach and Sinus Soother were the most popular flavors.
~Raspberry Zinger was also very popular, and came in second.
This tea is very timely for what I have seen and experienced here in the Midwest. It seems like EVERYONE is battling colds and flu. We have managed to stay fairly healthy. I do have one girl with some cold symptoms. When she told me she had a sore throat one evening, I was excited to experiment with Sleepytime Throat Tamer. I made her some, added some honey, and she said she really liked it and that it definitely helped. She drifted right off to sleep after her tea. She is 11 and is really starting to enjoy tea, especially herbal teas!
When the seasons change, minor throat irritations are all too common. Steep yourself in soothing goodness with Sleepytime Throat Tamer™. This special blend features all of the calming and relaxing qualities of our beloved Sleepytime tea, including aromatic spearmint from the Pacific Northwest and soothing Egyptian chamomile. Sleepytime Throat Tamer adds licorice root and slippery elm bark to coat and soothe a sore throat, while the rejuvenating infusion of lemongrass and ginger provides a comforting aroma and flavor. You’ll feel soothing relief from the very first sip! *
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
The next tea that I have really been enjoying is the Metabo Balance Green Tea. I am on a medication for 5 years due to my cancer history. This particular medication makes you gain weight. It messes with hormone levels and because of this I have noticed a change in my body shape, and in my tendency to gain weight around the middle. I have been blessed to never have had to worry about weight gain, until now! I’m hoping this tea will help regulate my metabolism. This tea is delicious–it has hibiscus, orange peel and grapefruit flavor. It is a green tea which is great for everyone, but especially cancer survivors!
For many of us, maintaining a healthy weight can be a challenge. Support your metabolism by adding Metabo Balance™ wellness tea to your healthy diet and active lifestyle. This all-natural blend features authentic green tea leaves and potent green tea extract for sustained energy and metabolism support, plus garcinia cambogia and a delicious tropical grapefruit flavor for great taste with no calories!*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
I own an electric tea kettle, and it is by far one of my most favorite kitchen appliances, especially in the winter. I fill it with water in the morning, then flip the button to “on.” In just a minute or 2, I have hot water for my tea. The kettle keeps the water hot for a long time, so I refill my mug often. If it has been a couple hours since my last cup of tea and I want more, I simply flip the switch to “on’ again. It is a great way to have hot water handy all throughout the day. I LOVE it.
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Would you like a chance to win a month supply of Celestial Seasonings tea?
I am a HUGE fan of warm, comforting drinks in the winter months. There is just something I love about having my hands wrapped around a big, warm mug of a hot beverage. I love chai, coffee and tea, but because I am a cancer survivor, health and immunity are super important to me! With this in mind, I have been wanting to drink less coffee and more tea, and have decided to join in on Celestial Seasonings 31 Days of TeaLC Challenge. My personal challenge is to replace my typical 2nd cup of coffee, the one I usually drink in the afternoon, with tea!
My friends at Celestial Seasonings recently sent me a bunch of their new wellness teas, just in time for my 31 Days of TeaLC Challenge. I have LOVED trying out their new products, and have been reallyimpressed with the emphasis their teas have on health! I have so enjoyed experiencing their different teas that I find myself drinking much more tea than I anticipated. This 31 day challenge really isn’t much of a challenge for me because it has been so much fun!
I own an electric tea kettle, and it is by far one of my most favorite kitchen appliances, especially in the winter. I fill it with water in the morning, then flip the button to “on.” In just a minute or 2, I have hot water for my tea. The kettle keeps the water hot for a long time, so I refill my mug often. If it has been a couple hours since my last cup of tea and I want more, I simply flip the switch to “on’ again. It is a great way to have hot water handy all throughout the day. I LOVE it.
There are 2 teas from Celestial Seasonings that I must talk about. I will start with my most favorite–Natural Detox Wellness Tea. I was super excited to see a Celestial Seasoning tea containing Milk Thistle. I have taken Milk Thistle in supplement form ever since I finished chemo & radiation. Milk Thistle is known for its detoxing properties, and is great great for the liver. Chemo wreaks havoc on the liver, which is the bodies main detoxing organ, so restoring my liver to its full working condition was really important to me. I was hoping I would like this tea, especially if it meant eliminating an expensive supplement that I would usually take in pill form. This tea did not disappoint. The creamy vanilla flavor is really comforting. It is interesting for something to taste “creamy” when it is not, but it does! I love it, have drank a ton of it already, and I’m not even close to being tired of it.
My second favorite tea that they sent is their Antioxidant Max Green Tea Blueberry Pomegranate. Green tea is another really important ingredient in a healthy diet. Green teas provide powerful flavonoid antioxidants that can help reduce the cell-damaging effects of free radicals. This is not only good for cancer patients whose treatment is so harsh and damaging, but also for healthy people who want to stay that way. Cancer is simply cells misbehaving that are damaged, so it makes sense that reducing free radicals that damage cells is cancer preventative.
This tea would taste great in the warm months, too. It would be really refreshing to serve it iced.
If you look to your left, in my sidebar I have put a button to this post. I have put all my cancer related posts onto this page, to make it easier for anyone who might be newly diagnosed and looking to read about someone whose story also involves cancer. If you know anyone who is walking this road, please share this post with them. When I was first diagnosed, I found so much comfort in reading about those who have gone before me and came through.
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Here is how my cancer story began. My story entwined with your story, as you all walked with me, touched my heart and lifted my head.
THANK YOU.
{keep scrolling for all cancer story links}
August 2010
As some of you might have noticed, I have not posted in awhile.
I’ve been a bit busy— getting diagnosed with breast cancer.
How’s that for getting to the point?
I want you to all know that I am ready to fight this thing. I have so many who love me, and I have so much to fight for. The last few days have been surreal and quite honestly, some of the hardest of my life. I’ve already learned so much about myself, life, and love. I know this cancer thing is going to be a great teacher in my life. I’ve decided to allow it to do just that, but at the same time, will be doing everything in my power to kick it the heck outta here.
The tumor is quite large, 4 centimeters. {*update…MRI showed it to be 6 centimeters} There may be lymph nodes involved, we are still in the initial testing phase. I had a CT scan and a bone scan today, the CT scan did not show any other areas. Praise God! I will get bone scan reports on Tuesday. Next week will be a busy week of MRI, PET scan and meeting with my Surgeon, then Oncologist. We will know the exact stage the cancer is in and the plan of action by next Thursday. I’ve been told by my doctor to be ready for aggressive treatment, which she guesses will include chemotherapy first, to shrink the tumor, then surgery.
I’ve had many different moments the last few days. I have felt intense fear and anxiety to the point of physical sickness, but also moments of sweet peace and thankfulness. It’s quite a roller coaster, a scary one that quite frankly I would really like to get off of.
We told my three girls tonight (ages 11, 9 & 7). They were so very sweet. We cried together, they came to us for hugs, then they held each other. They asked lots of questions. We were very honest with them and will continue to be. They took it in a much more calm manner than what I expected, which was nice. They are processing and will continue to do so. We spent the last 10 minutes of our family meeting dreaming up a Halloween costume for their bald mama! The best we came of with was twins…my husband is bald. 🙂
This blog has always just been about my life. If we make a craft, I share it. A new recipe, I write about it. Thoughts in my head…out they come down onto a post. I really don’t know any other way to blog other than just share my life, so this blog is about to have a new subject added to it. Cancer is life right now, it is pretty much an all consuming fight, so I ask you to bear with me as I write and fight. I won’t be able to post as often, and the subject matter will be pretty real as I really don’t know how else to be. Thank you so much for being such great readers and such an encouraging community. I will let you as much as possible how I am doing.
Before I sign off, I’d like to tell you that the ONLY way I am getting through any of this is by the help of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is my everything. He is faithful. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. I will praise His name no matter what happens. He has so clearly told me that He is with me, and will never leave me or forsake me.
