{ baby bottoms }

In my experience many Young Living products have more than 1 way to be used, an Essential Oil never has just 1 use, the Mineral Make-up can be used for more area’s than the one it’s labeled for, thieves cleaning product doubles as a stain removers and many more that I will be sharing on this blog!This little gem is no exception, diaper cream is a product for babies, kids, mommies and daddies! As you know I have 2 big teenagers so I didn’t buy this for them, I have lots of seedlings products because they are amazing for all ages.Seedlings diaper cream can be used as a diaper cream (duh), a concealer depending on your skintype or like I use it (and my husband) as a deodorant! Yes you read it correctly and it’s super easy too.How to:
1. We add some essential oils to our armpit area, my fave is Petit Grain solo or a mix of Purification and Pine my husband likes Mister.
2. Take a pea size of the diaper cream, divide this amount over both armpits. I like to smoothe it out with a few fingers so each hand has a bit and then just apply it.Some more info on the diaper cream ingredients in dutch and english:

{ my everyday oils }

So a good friend (and teammember of mine) shared what Young Living products she used inspired me to do the same because I get a lot of questions about it. I just focussed on just the oils that I use on a daily basis,  don’t freak out at the amount it’s a quick ritual, 5 min tops!

I  will tell you a little bit about each oil and what they do for me, and by sharing this hope to show you oils are not hocus pocus just old fashioned, using what nature has to offer to keep me me happy, uplifted, balanced, calm, relaxed and sane, Day and Night!

Abundance
What YL says : Abundance was created to enhance the frequency of the harmonic magnetic energy field that surrounds us. This manifesting and powerful blend creates what is called “the law of attraction,” which refers to the positive (or negative) energy we attract to ourselves by focusing on it. Abundance therefore opens us to a wealth of possibilities. Its spicy scent is popular among both women and men – try using it as a perfume or cologne and experience your energy shifting towards prosperity and plentitude!
What I say: I love attracting positive energy and the scent is great so use this oil as my perfume!
How I use it: simply dab it behind my ears twice a day, use it in my diffuser necklace or diffuse combined with a citrus oil. 

Valor
What YL says : an empowering combination of essential oils that works with both the physical and spiritual aspects of the body to increase feelings of strength, courage, and self-esteem in the face of adversity. Renowned for its protective qualities, Valor® enhances an individual’s internal resources. It has also been found to help the body self-correct its balance and alignment.
What I say: it boosts me, makes me feel strong, ain’t nothing wrong with that!
Gentle Baby
What YL says :  a soft, fragrant combination of essential oils designed specifically for mothers and babies. It helps calm emotions during pregnancy and is useful for quieting troubled little ones. It is also soothing to tender skin. Many of the essential oils in this blend are used in elite cosmetics to enhance a youthful appearance.
What I say: I am a mom, the smell is amazing and soothing, need I say more?
How I use it: I apply it to my wrists every evening during my -get ready for the night – ritual*  and/or diffuse it in my bedroom. 

White Angelica
What YL says : a calming and soothing blend that encourages feelings of protection and security. It combines oils used during ancient times to enhance the body’s aura, which brings about a sense of strength and endurance. Many people use it as protection against negative energy.
What I say: Every since I’ve been using it at night my dreams have switched from  a scene from Criminal Minds to the Gilmore Girls.
How I use it: I apply 1 drop to each top op my shoulder during my -get ready for the night –  ritual*

Harmony
What YL says : an exquisite blend that promotes physical and emotional well-being by bringing harmonic balance to the energy centres of the body. The liberating, balancing, and calming essential oils in this blend open us to new possibilities while contributing to an overall feeling of well-being.
What I say: I needs lots of balance end of story!
How I use it: I apply it to my solar plexus as part of my – get ready for the day with oils – ritual

My Special – shut off my brain and go to sleep – Mix 
(Contains Vetiver, Lavender and Cedarwood)
What YL says : Vetiver has a heavy, earthy fragrance similar to patchouli with a touch of lemon. Vetiver oil is psychologically grounding, calming, and stabilising. One of the oils that is highest in sesquiterpenes, vetiver was studied by Dr. Terry Friedmann for improving children’s behavior. Vetiver may help when coping with stress and to recover from emotional trauma and shock.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has a fresh, sweet, floral, herbaceous aroma that is soothing and refreshing. Because it is the most versatile of all essential oils, no home should be without it. It is great for winding down before bedtime, yet has balancing properties that make it just as beneficial for boosting stamina and energy. Lavender is highly regarded for skin and beauty. The French scientist René Gattefossé was the first to discover these properties when he severely burned his hands in a laboratory explosion.
Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) has a warm, balsamic, woody aroma. It is relaxing and soothing when used for massage. Cedarwood has long been used as a beneficial ingredient in cosmetic preparations for oily skin. 
What I say: Together these three calm my brain, it helps me shut it down instead of lying there thinking of all the things I did, have to do and whatever other things pop up in there for good measure.
How I use it: I apply the mix at the bottoms of my big toes and if I’m really fast & furious I also apply it in my nek right below the hairline or at my temples during my -get ready for the night –  ritual*

Joy 
What YL says : a luxuriously exotic blend with uplifting overtones that create magnetic energy and bring joy to the heart. When worn as cologne or perfume, Joy™ exudes an alluring and irresistible fragrance that inspires romance and togetherness. When diffused, it can be refreshing and uplifting.
What I say: it makes me happy when skies are grey, and not just me, the hubs loves it too.
How I use it: I apply it to my heartchakra as part of my – get ready for the day with oils – ritual, use it in my diffuser necklace or diffuse combined with a citrus oil. 

Progessence Phyto Plus
What YL says : Progessence Phyto Plus contains a high quality wild yam extract optimally blended with vitex oil and essential oils to help women find balance the way nature intended. Specially formulated by D. Gary Young, ND, and Dan Purser, MD, Progessence Phyto Plus maximizes the effects of wild yam extract and vitex oil by utilizing an innovative suspension system.
What I say: Ding Dong the witch is dead …
How I use it: I apply it twice a day EVERY day in the morning and in the evening, 1 drops to both insides of my ankles (right under the bump) and 1 drop distributed over my inner forearms.

Clary Sage
What YL says : Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) essential oil contains natural phytonutrients. It has a mellow, warm, herbal scent that is uplifting and relaxing, making it a perfect choice for supporting a normal, healthy attitude during PMS. It is also supportive for menopausal women.
What I say: let’s just say I like my temperature to be constant …
How I use it: I apply it twice a day EVERY day in the morning and in the evening, 1 drop to both outsides of my ankles (right under the bump) 

Stress Away
What YL says : a natural solution created to combat normal stresses that creep into everyday life. Stress Away is the first product to contain the unique stress-relieving combination of lime and vanilla essential oils. Stress Away also includes copaiba and lavender to reduce mental rigidity and restore equilibrium. Featuring powerful plant constituents, such as the cedrol found in cedarwood and the eugenol that occurs naturally in vanilla, Stress Away can help induce relaxation and reduce occasional nervous tension.
What I say: I can plan a party, bake a cake, get stuck in traffic jams and this helps soothe nervous tension and it smells amazing, I just love vanilla!
How I use it: apply to my wrists and inhale 4 times for direct relief, use it in my diffuser necklace or diffuse combined with a citrus oil. 

If you have any questions about these oils that I did not answer above, please let me know 😉

{ healthy lifestyle part I }

For support during exercise or with a very active lifestyle there are various Young Living products you can use. In the next 3 blogposts I will share our personal favorites and how you can use these to support your active lifestyle.

In this first post the emphasis will be on fitness activities and how the massage oils can prepare your muscles on your workout and how they can help them relax after your workout. If and when your muscles get really tense there are various products that can help them relax before your next workout, so you you can stay mobile until then and achieve your goals. If you are interested in reading this post in Dutch please visit my website Oiled by Nature.

Ortho Sport was developed for the professional and amature atheletes that work and play hard. Because of the high dosage of Phneol, that provides a pleasant warm sensation and relieves over-worked muscles it can be used before or after a workout. Daniëlle uses it before and after her sessions with her personal trainer  Marc Hoogervorst begint so her muscles are already warmed up and ready for her workout. An example of professionals that use these Young Living massage oils the therapists of the Dutch soccerteam AZ.

Ortho Ease is a massage oil developed to ease the muscles and help calm the tired body. It helps combat the adverse effects of exertion/stress like sore muscles, stifness and lessened bloodflow. Because of the calming mix of Young Living therapeutic essential oils,  Ortho Ease will refresh and relax. I not only use it in the evenings of the days that I workout  but also on other days when her muscles feel tired and stiff.

If and when you muscles are feeling uncomfortable there are different oils that you can use, there are several options so there is an oil to meet anyone’s preference. I use these options depending on my needs and mood.

Relieve It is a deeply relaxing, warming blend of essential oils that feels soothing and comforting to muscles and joints following exercise. If you want direct relief when your muscles feel uncomfortable then this blend is a great choice as it has a warming function and works deep into the muscle.

The Relief Trio is a combination of 3 oils that you can use when you are in need of more relief for muscles that can feel sensitive to the touch. You can apply it in layers with a carrier oil or tentatively you can make it into a liquid or solid cream which is very handy for larger areas.  Valor, Panaway and Peppermint compliment each other to help ease your muscles and everything around them so you can move and function in a normal manner.
I have the solid version in a glass jar and use it when my muscles or joints are really really sore to help alleviate that feeling of not wanting to move from the couch, ever …..

Valor is an empowering combination of essential oils that works with both the physical and spiritual aspects of the body to increase feelings of strength, courage, and self-esteem in the face of adversity. Renowned for its protective qualities, Valor® enhances an individual’s internal resources. It has also been found to help the body self-correct its balance and alignment.
PanAway was created by Gary Young following a severe injury to the ligaments in his leg. It supports the circulatory system, along with muscles and joints, and also aids in maintaining normal cellular function.
Peppermint has an invigorating and fresh mint aroma. This amazing and versatile essential oil has been widely studied for its potential health benefits and for its ability to enhance mental acuity. It is also known for its impressive support of digestive function and has a cooling effect on the skin and body.

Deep Relief Essential Oil Roll is a proprietary blend of oils specially formulated to assist muscle soreness and tension. Peppermint, Wintergreen, Copal, and Palo Santo essential oils as well as others play an integral part in supporting post exercise recovery. Deep Relief is offered in the portable convenience of a roll on application for when you are on the go. A standard item in my gymbag which is a good thing as I’ve helped plenty of people at the gym that got their fingers caught inbetween weights  ….

Of course there are more Young Living products you can use during your active lifestyle, here are a few examples;

Next time I’ll share more about Young Living supplements, weight management products and healthy snacks and how I use them in my healthy lifestyle!

{ nutty muesli }

My favorite nutty Muesli recipe is from Yvonne Lemmers (her books were the first I ever purchased on the low carb lifestyle), totally fits into Paleo, Caveman, Low Carb etc. lifestyle.

I made it this week at my mom’s house, just brought all the ingredients and made a batch for her and me in 30 minutes it is literally that easy and can add such a great touch to your quark, yoghurt, fruit or ice cream.

You will need the following ingredients:

• Assorted unsalted nuts
• Coconut oil
• Cinnamon or mixed (cookie) spices
• The original recipe also adds split flaxseed (2 teaspoons) and stevia but I prefer to add these seperately as I like to use 1 teaspoon per serving.
• You will also need a good all purpose slicer, I have a fissler multi chopper finecut and it chops through nuts like crazy. (for the dutchies you can buy it here and INTL you can find it here)

100 grams nuts, 2 teaspoon of spice, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. This is the basic recipe, I just double, triple etc. to make the amount that matches the weight of nuts I have.

Preheat your oven to 150 degrees celsius.

Start chopping up the nuts, don’t throw everything in just a bit at a time and chop until they are a size you would like as a topping. I don’t like big chuncks so I make it quite fine in size although it is hard to get them all exactly the same size as you can see.

After chopping add the spice and stir wel so all the nuts are all nice and brown from the spice.
Melt the coconut au bain marie (I usually put the coconut oil in a sturdy glass, and let it meld in a bowl with boiled water. No need for a the stove as it melts this way in a blink).
Add the melted coconut oil to the nuts and mix it through the nuts with a spoon so all the nuts are all oiled up.

Place some  greaseproof paper on an ovensheet and evenly put the nut mixture on there.
I made a total on 500 grams and put it on one sheet.

In the oven for 15-20 minutes and it will start to smell like cookies … it is literally that easy and so yummy ! Let it cool, place in a (preferably glass) container and start adding it to anything you would like.

Enjoy and please let me know how you liked it in the comments.

{ the great deodorant debate }

Over the past years I’ve used these deodorants on a regular basis (my husband used Aramis and I switched from Donna’s Cashmere Mist to Aramis in the winter and Odorex Extra Dry in the summer).

And although they worked very wel, they are very strong (with many ingredients to make this happen of which a lot I am convinced are not very healthy for my skin and body in the long run) and expensive (wel Aramis and the Cashmere Mist are anyway) so I was always looking for a healthier, more natural option but would also get the job done. I’ve tried quite a few, let me tell you but I just don’t like to smell bad so a lot of them ended up in the trash.

Until I met the boys from Ohm Deo Dorant that is, we met at a Young Living event in the Netherlands and at a Health and Healing trade show. I was intrigued by the simplicity of the product, a safe natural (based on essential oils and sodium bi carbonate) and effective deodorant that supports the bodies own process.

They describe their deodorant as “The most effective natural deodorant available, in powder form. By using the most exclusive essential oils with the highest quality possible, our Deo Dorant actually protects your scented body rather than damage it,  whilst keeping it ultimately fresher and more alkaline than anything natural or synthetic available.

So whilst you can make sure you feed your body with more alkaline foods such as lots of vegetables, fruit and less meat, coffee and wheat (which are acedogenic and cause the undesirable armpit smell …)

And you know I would not have shared this new favourite find if I had not put this product to the test and loved it ! It has kept me fresh during my tough workouts with my personal trainer, when I had my first presentation in front of at leas 50 (!) people for Young Living and even when I get up in the morning and am working in my sweats behind my laptop and shower around noon (yes that happens every now and then and I’m sure I’m not the only one LOL).

My youngest dude and I use coconut and my husband and oldest dude are using Sacred Frankincense. And using it is so easy ! I apply it directly when I get out of the shower, I don’t dry my armpits as they have to be a bit damp. I shake the container onto my hand twice and apply under my armpit and a bit above and below (you know above and under where the hair used to be 😉 ) and that’s more than enough for a long day of freshness, no matter what you encounter !

Ohm deo dorant is available in 8 fragrances ( I have listed them below)  so there is always one that will take your fancy, no matter which gender you are. I Iove the fact that they offer them in a small packaging () to sample them for their effectiveness and scent for under 3 euro’s ! A large container is 21,95 which will go a long way (at least 6 months) as you only need to apply1 to 2 doses in the morning to get through a day. They also have a teenage/kids line, No Sweat,  which I will be ordering soon for the dudes (al versions are sold online at my fave online store Green Jump).

• Patchouli
  Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is a wonderful oil that comes from the Pogostemon cablin plant. This oil has been used for over hundreds of years to relax the mind and clarify thoughts, however here in Europe it was  made famous by the beatles.
  Patchouli has a deep, rich, earthy-sweet, spicy aroma.
  What Part of the Plant is Used? Flower
  Ingredients: Ohm Blend®, Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), Wildcrafted Cedar (Cedrus Atlantica wood) and Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia leaf) blended with sodium bicarbonate.
• Lavender
  The Lavender Deo Dorant is a combination of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and the beautiful organic Lavandin (Lavandula hybrida) from the cool mountain tops of the Alps, it provides a harmonic balance between the relaxing benefits of lavender and the sweet, fresh floral notes of the Lavandin.
  Lavender has a sweet & relaxing yet slightly sharp floral aroma.
  What Part of the Plant is Used? Flower
  Ingredients: Ohm Blend®, Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Lavandin (Lavandula hybrida), Wildcrafted Cedar (Cedrus Atlantica wood) and Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia leaf) blended with sodium bicarbonate.
• Jasmine
  Jasmine (Jasmine Grandiflorum) comes from a Persian word “Yasmin” which is a common name for a girl. it’s also referred to as “moonlight of the grove” or “queen of the night” because of its strong scent during the evening hours. Known for it’s seductive qualities.
  It reminds you of summer evenings and gentle breezes. Jasmine is picked early in the morning, when the sun drives the scent from the flowers.
  Jasmine has a sweet, sensual floral aroma.
  What Part of the Plant is Used? Flower
  Ingredients: Ohm Blend®, Jasmine (Jasmine Grandiflorum), Wildcrafted Cedar (Cedrus Atlantica wood) and Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia leaf) blended with sodium bicarbonate.
• Coconut
  The world has gone coco-nuts, everybody is in love with the tropical taste & scent. The good thing about coconut is that it has anti-fungal properties thanks to it’s caprilic acid, and therefor reduces unpleasant odors.
  Our Coconut Deo Dorant has a warm and uplifting oil blend,
  an exotic reminiscence. Are you ready for a holiday?
  What Part of the Plant is Used? Fruit flesh
  Ingredients: Ohm Blend®, Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera Oil), Honey extract (Apis Mellefica), Wildcrafted Cedar
  (Cedrus Atlantica wood) and Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia leaf) blended with sodium bicarbonate.
• Gardenia
  Because their roots are Hawaiian we have used Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides) It’s one of the most precious oils in the world and known for its heavenly aroma and fragrance. Our gardenia is Natural (compared to the most) and wildcrafted. Gardenia flower is commonly used in Chinese herbal medicine.
  Gardenia has a rich, feminine perfectly balanced floral aroma.
  What Part of the Plant is Used? Flower
  Ingredients: Ohm Blend®, Gardenia (Gardenia Florida Oil), Wildcrafted Cedar (Cedrus Atlantica wood) and Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia leaf) blended with sodium bicarbonate.
• Neroli
  Neroli (Citrus aurantium) was used by the Ancient Egyptians to heal the mind, body and spirit. It was highly regarded and used by the priestesses and priests. It’s fruity and sweet aroma is very calming and relaxing.
  Neroli oil comes from the blossoms of the orange tree. Named so after Princess of Neroli as she used it to perfume her gloves and used it in her baths. The petals of Orange flowers symbolize innocence and securing love.
  Neroli has a slightly sweet, earthy floral aroma with a unique depth.
  What Part of the Plant is Used? Flower
  Ingredients: Ohm Blend®, Neroli (Citrus aurantium), Wildcrafted Cedar
  (Cedrus Atlantica wood) and Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia leaf) blended with sodium bicarbonate.
• Oman (Sacred) Frankincense
  The sacred oil from the Middle East
  Our Omanian Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) comes from the Ancient Frankincense trees in Oman, Where these oils are used for both physical and spiritual protection. Sacred Frankincense from Oman has deep metaphysical and protective qualities for both mind and body. It was more valuable than gold in the old days, and we believe in the future too when more and more folk discover the ancient wisdom connected to these oils and their healing properties. Knowledge and usage of Frankincense dates back even to the time of the Sumerians, it was also given to Christ at the time of his birth.
  Frankincense has a deep, slightly spicy, woody resin scent.
  What Part of the Plant is Used? Resin from Oman, the finest and the oldest trees used.
  Ingredients: Ohm Blend®, Frankincense, (Boswellia carterii), Wildcrafted Cedar Cedrus Atlantica wood) and Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia leaf) blended with sodium bicarbonate.
• Himalayan Cedar Wood
  (Cedrus Atlantica) The Cedar tree is famous from Lebanon to the temple of Solomon, as the latin name shows it is a powerful deodorizing essential oil. If you suffer from excessive perspiration and/or body odor, they recommend this fragrance and looking into the benefits of a alkalizing diet, for a fragrant body odor.
  Cedarwood has a characteristic woody fragrance.
  What Part of the Plant is Used? Bark
  Ingredients: Ohm Blend®, Wildcrafted Cedar, (Cedrus Atlantica wood), Frankincense, (Boswellia carterii) and Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia leaf), blended with sodium bicarbonate.

The Ohm collection is sold in many brick and mortar stores in the Netherlands and as said online.

DiscIosure: I have not been sponsored by the Ohm collection or Green Jump for mentioning their businesses, this review is based solely on my own experience !

{ more }

Over the last 4 years I have changed the way I eat, avoiding processed sugar and no more ready to go mixes and sauces but making it from scratch. The sugar was really hard especially shopping for groceries as there is sugar in everything nowadays, reducing grains and fast carbs to a minimum and making food from scratch were not so hard. It just takes a bit more planning and prepping. I lost some weight in the process and that was a nice bonus

But a change of job, the unemployment of my husband a year later, sickness of loved ones, an unhappy work situation turned me into an unhappy person. Thus there was less moving, I became less strict in my intake of all the things my body does not like, I wasn’t eating enough and certainly not drinking enough.

So here I was 3 years later; very unfit, badly in need of less stress in my life and heavier (not much but 1 size up means my wardrobe doesn’t fit anymore), very very tired all the time and this really made me sad on top of everything else that was going on.

At the beginning of the year I realized I needed a change I wanted more from life !

More time at home taking care of my family (my husband holding down the fort like a trooper but I wanted to do it I’m a bit of a control freak),  get fit (you know ready for the summer) and be more consequent with my clean eating lifestyle ( cheat less, eat more and definately drink more), have more time for my family, friends and hobbies.

A change was needed, so the first step was to quit my job, scary !! as my husband was still unemployed but the unhappy was starting to affect my health. I was leaving my job in spring to find a part time less demanding job to start living again, not just surviving.

Then things started falling into place, my business was growing and my husband found a job and I was all like heck I could work from home, that would really get me healthier in both my body and my soul and with my husbands support I went for it.

I stopped looking for a job, am now 100% focused on my business so I have reasonably normal working hours. I got myself moving more as of April with a personal trainer and joined in a challenge to change your morning ritual (I dance when i get out of bed, awesome way to start the day happy trust me on this) and released a lot of my stress.

Now that May has arrived and I’m focusing on the other things I wanted more of !

Eating better & more (keeping a food diary and sticking to our family week menu no matter what), drinking more (up to 2 liters at least and working getting in a bit more than that).

Joining in the weight loss challenge group we started up with my young living girls ( I must admit I cheated a bit in that as I started taking my oils to support my weight loss and already started 2 weeks earlier and already lost 1 kilo) Check out the fab bottle I found Green Jump I ordered to get me drinking more (glass so totally safe to add my citrus oils although I sometimes prefer to take it in a capsule) definitely getting an extra one for the summer !

And I will start taking my place in my Dutch Dares Design Team again so I will scrapbook again on a regular basis and will decorate my Filofax again and plan in it more.

Becoming me again is going faster than I had dare hope for but the happy is coming back into my life !

Life

Hope all is well with all my blog readers ( I know there are some LOL just always wonder who …) ! Thought I’d let you know what’s up in Daan’s life 😉

I’m busy getting organized for my trip to London this weekend with my mother, leaving friday morning and will be back sunday evening. It’s been a while since I was in the UK and I cannot remember when my mom and I have been on a trip for more than a day together or in the UK together (I think this was when I was like 14 orso) so this will be fun ! I’m looking forward to visiting Anthropology, GAP, Cath Kidson and Alfie’s Antique Market. I bought a fun touristy book called 100% London and it has lots of fun restaurant, shop and just touristy things in it so we plan to use that for some info if we run out of idea’s but any other tips are welcome ….

Oh and my diet did it’s job I’m totally cleansed, just have to keep up with avoiding white sugar and use cane sugar instead so I will be testing that in my cupcake recipe’s. I decided to stay on this sugarless route as I’m used to it now. My vitality and energy levels are still not good so he advised me to take vitamin’s (he said Centrum and Supradyn are very good) that I should take throughout the winter. I still fall asleep on the couch about 2 to 3 evenings a week so I’m not feeling a difference yet … Any tips are welcome for this !

Another thing I just have to share with you is that Colin is swimming for his A certificate tommorow, we were amazed he was at all ready for it since he started last year december, swimming twice a week. We’re very proud as we know how hard it is for him to focus with so many distractions !

I’m sure the boys won’t miss me too much as they have a pretty full weekend planned and lot’s of boys things they want to do.

food

Amazing when you can eat everything you never bother to read the food labels isn’t it ?

Now I know that when the boys had their milkallergy I only had to mind a few things as a docter was able to help them with their allergies and all was good so that was easy. Then there’s my friend Mandy has a little boy that is allergic to a lot of stuff and she has to read every single label like a detective. I know from her how hard it is to find things or recipe’s for him that he is able to eat.

But now I have to watch out & read every label for food I come across and boy it takes a lot of work, shopping takes twice, no thrice (LOL) as much time as it does normally.

Let me tell you a little story, you see I’m someone that has had a bad resilience with her health for the last 20 years, always catching the flu or other stuff that germs seem determined to give me, but before that was never ill, i mean almost never as I’ve had like one typical childhood ilness. And this year I’ve decided (for a lot of things in my life but this is step 1 since i couldn’t get it right last year) that enough is enough, I want to survive Fall and winter on my terms and not those of the germs.
So a war has been launched and with the help of a special docter, a very good docter, same one as my boys have seen and various people I have recommended him to or I meet quite by accident that know about him; Dr. Soema.

Dr. Soema figured out quite a bit about my energy levels, intestins and liver that were not good, stuff living there, thriving of food that not only I love. So i’m on a very strict diet for 30 days, lot’s of natural herbs to make the intestins and liver stronger and cleaner and antibiotics.

So I’m off sugar, milk, cheese, cacoa, yeast, glucosepaste, tomato’s, pig, veal and cows meat, pepper, goatsmilk or cheese, mushrooms and let me tell you once you start looking out for these ingredients it’s everywhere … yes also in cupcakes 😦 so I ordered myself the babycakes vegan cookbook so I can make some nice cupcakes as dessert for a dinnerdate at the end of this month. And try thinking up a nice dinner besides the standerd meat, potatoes & veggies ? Only thing I can come up with is a healthy version of nasi goreng and fajitas (but no sour creme or tomato saus to go with it but a cheesy soy spread) with corn chips. If anyone has any recipes plse let me know, I’m craving changes in the menu !!

An upside, well the first week I didn’t think there was one because i was in detox (kicking a sugar habit is not the easiest) but there is one is I’m loosing weight, finally 2 years after the knee-accident I’m losing weight. 2 down, at least 5 to go ….. And I should have buckets of energy at the end of this, this is what keeps me going, more energy, less feeling blah, less catching the flu and overall a better healthier me !

Something to consider, cutting out certain products I “though” were healthy from my lifestyle after the 30 days.

3.1

Kilometers that is …. That’s what I’m up to until now, and although I was a bit off and didn’t run last week it went pretty well yesterday. Coming sunday I will be running the Nike Ladies Run which I haven’t in 6 years and I’m happy to say i will make it as those last 2 km will be run on willpower & adrenaline !

Had so much fun this weekend, some shopping with the boys, lot’s of scrapping on an altered project which I will show later, learned to crochet (and hope I will remember how to make those cute flowers when I try it all by myself) and a fun get together with our portugal gang ! How was your weekend ?