LESSEN YOUR TOXIC LOAD WITH ESSENTIAL OILS!

One of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself from illness and disease is to reduce your exposure to chemicals. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there are about 700 chemicals coursing through your body, many of which can be found in the cleaning supplies in your home. These chemicals include potent, hormone disruptors, formaldehyde, and cancer causing 1,4 dioxane. Exposure to these chemicals have been linked to chronic disease like asthma, autism, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. 

But wait! Don't just sigh and give up ~ there IS something you can do! Using a few simple household items, you can easily make your own non-toxic DIY household cleaners. Not only are homemade cleaners healthier, they are way cheaper than store-bought too! Double bonus! Here are a few of my favourite recipes for Homemade Household Cleaners:

BASIC INGREDIENTS

It doesn't take much to make your own non-toxic household cleaners. Here is a list of basic things that I use:

CASTILE SOAP: Castile soap is a vegetabel soap made from 100% pure olive oil, water, and lye. It acts as a surfactant and helps lift dirt and cuts through grease.

UNSCENTED BIODEGRADABLE DISH SOAP: This is what I use to hand wash my dishes with, but I also use it as a base for many of my other household cleaners.

VINEGAR: White vinegar has antiseptic properties and is a great cleanser and degreaser. You can also use apple cider vinegar. Don't mix castile soap and vinegar.

BAKING SODA: Baking soda is cheap, naturally abrasive, and a great deodorizer. It is completely biodegradable.

RUBBING ALCOHOL OR VODKA: Alcohol has a neutral pH and is a good alternative when acidic liquids like vinegar are too harsh. It is great for streak-free glass and helps to preserve essential oils.

ESSENTIAL OILS: Many essential oils are known for their antiseptic properties. They are a great way to "super-charge" your green cleaners. Some of them are wonderful degreasers, deodorizers, and brighteners as well. Not only do essential oils get things clean, studies show that they can help you in other ways - from lifting your mood to boosting your immune system. Might as well perk yourself up while you're cleaning the house!

MY FAVOURITE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR GREEN CLEANING

THIEVES: Thieves is a potent blend of Lemon, Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus and Rosemary. It has long been used for it's cleansing properties and immune boosting properties.

PURIFICATION: Purification is a blend of Citronella, Lemongrass, Lavandia, Rosemary, Tea Tree, and Myrtle. It is an amazing deodorizer which cleanses and purifies nasty odours. It is also known for it's cleansing properties.

TEA TREE OIL: Everyone's favourite! Tea Tree is highly regarded for it's cleansing properties. It is recommended for stimulating the immune system and for supporting the respiratory system.

LEMON OIL: Lemon is not only cleansing, it actually improves moods as well! It is a powerful degreaser and natural brightener. I should add that you can substitute any citrus oil here (I really like Pink Grapefruit and Orange Too)

LAVENDER OIL: Lavender's cleansing properties make it ideal for green cleaning. It is a wonderful deodorizer, and is also known for it's calming effects on the nervous system. Lavender also promotes restful sleep.

PEPPERMINT OIL: With its refreshing minty scent and powerful antibacterial properties, peppermint is a perfect complement to homemade cleaning products. It also acts as a natural pest deterrent.

A WORD ABOUT QUALITY

Please note that in order to get the therapeutic benefits of essential oils you need to use 100% Therapeutic Grade Oils. Only about 2% of essential oils sold are considered therapeutic grade. There is no standard for EO's and so many of the oils you find may be adulterated or synthetically manipulated and can actually contain harmful ingredients. That is why I only use Young Living brand, and also why I promote and distribute them. I am an essential oil snob and only want the best.

Young Living own their farms and they run a very tight supply chain. I trust their oils above all others because they are PURE and UNADULTERATED. They aren't in the business just to make pretty smelling oils - they are made for therapeutic use.

10 SIMPLE DIY HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS

BASIC HOUSEHOLD CLEANER

1 cup vinegar

1 cup water

6-10 drops essential oil of choice (Thieves, Lemon, Tea Tree or try my favourite blend of Grapefruit, Peppermint and Lavender)

Method: Combine all ingredients in a glass spray bottle. Spray onto surface and wipe with a clean cloth. Use to clean household surfaces. 

HOUSEHOLD CLEANER

2 cups water

1/4 cup castile soap

6-10 drops essential oils of choice (Thieves, Lemon, Tea Tree etc)

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a glass spray bottle. Use on counter tops, bathroom, toilet, or anywhere that needs a good cleaning.

DIY GLASS CLEANER

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup vinegar

1 cup alcohol

6-10 drops lemon essential oil

Method: Combine all ingredients in a glass spray bottle. Use on a clean cotton cloth or newspaper to clean glass, granite, or stove top.

TOILET BOWL CLEANER

1 cup vinegar

1/2 cup baking soda

2-3 drops Purification or Thieves

Method: Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Dump into toilet bowl and use toilet brush to clean. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes to allow essential oils and soda to remove odour.

ALL PURPOSE SOAPY CLEANER

1/4 cup unscented biodegradable dish soap

water

6-10 drops essential oils

Method: Pour soap, and essential oils into a large squeeze bottle (I usually use empty shampoo bottles) and top up with water. Shake gently and use to clean sink, toilet, or shower.

DIY SOFT SCRUB

1 cup baking soda

1/4 cup castile soap

5 drops Thieves, Lemon, Lavender or Tea Tree

water

Method: Combine baking soda and soap in a small bowl. Add enough water to make a smooth paste. Use to clean tubs, toilet, and tile.

DIY FLOOR CLEANER

1/4 vinegar

5-6 drops essential oils (Thieves, Purification etc)

hot water

Method: Fill up your mop bucket with hot water. Add vinegar and essential oils.

DIY CLEANER WITH SOAP

4 l water

2 Tbsp castile soap

4-6 drops essential oils (Thieves, Purification, lavender, tea tree etc)

Method: Combine all ingredients and use to clean floors. 

HARD CORE DEGREASER

1 cup castile soap

2 Tbsp alcohol

15 drops Lemon essential oil

Method: Combine ingredients in a glass container. Shake before use. Apply to damp cloth or sponge and wipe surface clean.

CARPET DEODORIZER

1 cup baking soda

5 drops Thieves, Purification, Lavender or Tea Tree essential oil

Method: Combine baking soda and essential oils. Sprinkle on carpet and allow to sit for 30 minutes and then vacuum.

GROUT CLEANER

1/4 cup baking soda

enough water to make a paste

5 drops lemon essential oil

Method: Mix ingredients to make a paste. Scrub mixture onto grout in a circular motion using a brush. Rinse and repeat as necessary.

Interested in learning more about natural solutions for women's health and beauty? Join Keeping It Real Natural Living FB group! It's the home of my FREE Detox Your Diet in 7 Days Challenge too!

The anticipation is seriously building over here! After months of planning and dreaming, the TRIPLE GODDESS PANT is ready to launch on Indiegogo in TWO days. It is so hard to believe this is really happening. You might be wondering why I'm going into the fashion business....well....

I needed a pair of pants that were comfortable, organic, sweatshop-free and stylish. They also needed to be versatile and appropriate for all the fun, amazing, and many things I like to do! I searched for years for these pants, and spent alot of money in the process on pants that never really looked good or felt right for me. I finally realized that in order to have the perfect pant, I had to design it ~ and the TRIPLE GODDESS PANT was born.

As a woman with so many roles to play ~ sometimes all in the run of one day ~ having one pair of pants that can work no matter what I need to do is practical (and lets admit, much easier on the pocket book!) The amazing thins is, the TRIPLE GODDESS PANT accommodates a woman's needs no matter what phase of life she's in too. The fold over organic cotton/lycra waistband expands and contracts making it perfect for everyone, whether you're an active teenager, mother-to-be, or wise crone.
Once the TRIPLE GODDESS PANT idea was born, I found the perfect person to manufacture them....

Rezan Iso is a Syrian refugee who recently moved to Nova Scotia with his family to escape the civil war that created the worst humanitarian crisis of our time. Half the country's pre-war population - more than 11 million people - have been killed or forced to flee their homes. I am grateful Rezan found his way safely to Canada, and am honoured to have him share his immense skills in the making of the TRIPLE GODDESS PANT.

The capital raised during the INDIEGOGO campaign will raise the much needed funds required to buy organic fabric and supplies, as well as pay Rezan to manufacture the pants. Your much appreciated contribution to the TRIPLE GODDESS PANT campaign is amazing because it will support many wonderful things including industry in rural Nova Scotia, organic agriculture, a mother-in-business, as well as a refugee urgently in need of stable employment during his time of resettlement in a foreign country.

Words cannot express how grateful we would be for your support when the campaign goes live in 2 days! Join the waiting list......

THE TRIPLE GODDESS PANT ~ Coming Soon to Kickstarter....

BIG NEWS! I'm in the fashion business! After years of searching and searching for a comfortable and stylish pair of pants, I finally decided to make my own...introducing THE TRIPLE GODDESS PANT.....

The Triple Goddess Pant is a super stylish and comfortable wide legged pant ethically made from medium weight organic cotton French terry in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia Canada. 

The pants feature an organic cotton/lycra blend fold over waistband that moves and stretches when you do, no matter what time of the month, or phase of life you're in. Let's face it, women expand and contract quicker than the phases of the moon, and these pants will fit you no matter what (and that includes during pregnancy.)

The Triple Goddess Pant is the perfect basic pant that works when you're on the town, or down dogging it in the yoga studio. Layer it up, dress it up, dress it down - heck you can even sleep in it. The ONLY pant you'll ever need.

Join the waiting list today at http://bit.ly/2scml37

DO YOGA WITH ME...in your own home!

I've posted a couple of new yoga videos on You Tube that I thought you might like to check out. You can practice with me in the comfort of your own home, anytime you want! Sat Nam

WHO ARE YOU?

     I am, I AM

     When we ask ourselves who we are, our habit may be to identify with our physical bodies, the jobs we have, the car we drive, and all the roles we take on in this life (wife, mother, daughter etc.) Yet none of these things are permanent - the body ages and will die, the material possessions we own will break down and rust, and the roles we play evolve and often cease to exist as well. The outer world is always changing, and therefore it is not real. Yet there is a part of us that has always been, that will never die, and will never change - this is our Higher Self - our Infinite identity that is Divine, that is God ~ and God is Love. As yogis, we train our minds to identify with this aspect of ourselves in order to live life from a place of authenticity. 

     In order to cultivate a connection to our true identity, it is important to embrace it completely and OWN it! The way to own our true identity is by refining our self concept and ALIGN WITH THE DIVINE - the real, unchanging, and sacred part of us. Everytime we use the words I AM, it is important to be conscious of what words we choose to place afterwards. All too often we use words that separate us from our creative source and our true identity. For example, "I am fat" or "I am unlovable" or "I am stupid". That which we tell ourselves becomes our reality. 

     Now is the time to practice a shift in our internal dialogue. The words I AM, which we use to define ourselves and what we are capable of, are sacred expressions for the name of God ~ which is our highest self. Lets honour ourselves and our Divine nature by retraining our minds to unify our inner and outer identities so that we can experience our unlimited potential. 

     Yogi Bhajan shared a powerful Kundalini Yoga Meditation called Meditation Into Being that will help you plant the seed of your true identity within you. SAT NAM ~ Truth is my Identity.  

CHAKRAS and THE ENERGY OF YOUR EMOTIONS

     The idea of the body and brain being completely separate is fast being replaced by a holistic model of mind, body, and spirit being intimately connected. Our bodies perfectly mirror our unconscious thought patterns and the internal stories we tell ourselves, much in the same way they mirror the quality and quantity of the food we eat. Yogis throughout the ages knew this, and created a blueprint of this complex interaction between mind, body, and spirit called the Chakra system.

     The chakras are aspects of consciousness, and they interact with the physical and energetic body through two major vehicles ~ the  endocrine and the nervous system. The chakras themselves are not physical, rather they are associated with one of the nine endocrine glands, and also with a group of nerves called a plexus. Each chakra corresponds with particular parts of the body and functions within the body controlled by that plexus or endocrine gland. In addition to representing particular parts of the physical body, the chakras represent parts of our consciousness and how we perceive reality. Our senses, perceptions, and states of awareness are divided into eight categories, and each of these categories is associated with a particular chakra.
     Emotions reside physically in our bodies and interact with our cells and tissues. This concept is even reflected in the many ways we describe some emotions and the way they make us feel physically; like when we suffer from a "broken heart" or we have "gut wrenching" grief or fear. When seen from this perspective, it makes sense then that emotions affect not only our psyches, but our bodies as well. Emotions stimulate very specific activities in the nervous system, and the nervous system has the intelligence to differentiate between positive and negative emotions. Emotions are energy in motion and proper management of this energy is the key to vitality and well being.
     Emotions colour our world with contrast and meaning.  Just as the five senses guide us to get what we need physically, our thoughts and emotions detect, describe, and guide the quality of our reality. We experience our reality through a filter of a multitude of thought and feelings. Harmonious and loving thoughts create positive and pleasant feelings, whereas dark, heavy, and negative thoughts cause depression, hatred, and generally make your life a living hell.
     Emotions are the senses of the Soul, and they reveal how things are going in our lives. They also have the ability to reconnect us with our highest purpose and give positive direction to our lives. Unfortunately, most people greatly misunderstand the powerful energy of emotions and proper purpose of feelings, and the result is COMMOTION, which causes a lot of pain for us and everyone else. Not just mental pain either, physical illness is often a manifestation of this commotion as well, and this is where using the blueprint of the chakras helps us to identify which emotions and areas of our life are blocking life force energy from moving through our being.
     The challenge is to learn the language, the code, the rules of the system of guidance and self-healing that exists within us so we can handle and thrive no matter what situation we find ourselves in. The key is to learn to master our minds, and harness the power of our minds to serve us and our highest well-being and purpose. Rather than ignoring, repressing, and reacting impulsively to our emotions, it is important to learn how to view them as guides and process them through the intellect, with full awareness of their message, purpose, and intent. It is time for a CHAKRA REVIVAL. My in-depth guide to your chakras and everything you need to harness the wisdom they possess launches this week. For more information visit http://bit.ly/2pDgkL8

What's all the fuss about CHAKRAS?

     CHAKRAS ~ it's a big buzz word these days, and for good reason. How would you feel if I told you that the power to heal your life is within you, and that your body contains an intelligent blueprint to guide you along the way? This is where the Chakras come in handy because they mirror your levels of vitality; basically each part of your spine has a chakra or centre which energy passes through. If energy is blocked or prevented from flowing through the body and these energy centres, then an illness, discomfort or disease manifests. Awesome, right? Gone are the days when you thought an illness just came out of the blue and disrupted your life. Now you can take active participation in your health and well being by tapping into the wisdom of your chakras. How? I knew you'd ask me that question, that is why I am writing two more articles on the subject right here on this blog. In case you can't wait, why not sign up for my CHAKRA REVIVAL E-Course? We go deep into what the chakras are, and how you can make the subtle, and sometimes not so subtle shifts in your life that help loving, universal life force energy to flow freely and abundantly through your body, and how Kundalini Yoga can help you along the way......

Stay tuned for my next article on the Chakras where I will explore the role our emotions have in our physical well-being.