Saturday, February 25, 2012

Losing My Appetite

It's been almost a year since I decided not to use shampoo. It is hard for me to believe. I've also stopped using commercial lotions and we only have castile soap in all of our hand soap dispensers. It has been a who in switching over, but we have done it.

My biggest complaint, months ago, was that I missed fragrance in my shampoo. While that is still true, I've found that I've lost my affinity for artificial fragrance. Once a week, I have been using a hair soap (it's a castile shampoo) and conditioner. I found that using just the straight baking soda and apple cider vinegar worked, but every so often I would just get an oily build up.  Most likely it was from an over use of AVC, but I could never find the balance. Instead, I keep using the the BS/ACV during the week and the natural shampoo/conditioner on the weekend.  It works super well.

This hair soap though, has fragrance! Or should I say it is fragranced with grapefruit essential oil. It is marvelous. Using a real scent instead of synthesized has really won me over.

So, now, I'm finding that I've lost my *need* for the 'fake' scents. It's probably a good thing as most of them are phalates that can mess with your endocrine system.

I'm also finding that I'm losing my appetite for other things that are toxic to my body, like sugar. I have a sweet tooth, I always have, but Hubs and I have been working on eliminating all unnecessary sugars. It has been hard for me, but I realized yesterday, in the aftermath of a dessert potluck (read: eating leftovers), I really didn't like the overly sweet cake that I had made. (that being said, the lemon bars we to DIE for...in a metaphorical sense, of course) It was kind of a startling revelation for me. One that I am actually fairly excited and pleased for.

Have you lost your appetite at all?
xo,
Bliss

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Purging.

For the last while, I've been reading a book about the biblical perspective on money. It's called Money, Possessions and Eternity and it's by Randy Alcorn. It's been wonderful. I feel like I'm learning a lot.  It's brought up the extremes of asceticism and materialism, and how both are wrong. It's fascinating. My worldview is changing. I love it.

On a related note, but not as a direct result, Hubby and I have been deep cleaning our house and purging things we either haven't used or really don't need. We're throwing lots away, putting much into the garage sale/give away box, and just generally re-organizing our lives in order to push for peace.

I find it amazing what we have accumulated just since we moved here a year and a few months ago. Also, how much stuff we re-buy because we can't find it...like garlic. I think we had something like 3 bags of powdered garlic in the spice cupboard, not to mention cinnamon!  I think we had a bulk container, 2 bottles and then a few bags on top of that. How we couldn't find it, don't even ask!

As we are cleaning, I feel a weight being lifted. It's as if to say we really don't need any of these possessions, but we are grateful for what we do have.  I am relearning that we don't *own* anything, but it is all on loan from God and that HE has given it to us to bless others with.

I feel like I'm starting to let go of the toxic burden of materialism an basking in the freedom of blessing. I'm going through my clothes and figuring out what I wear and what I don't and getting rid of a ton!...Organizing other clothes into maternity and too big as well! I've put shirts into bags to repurpose into t-shirt yarn, and have actually done it.

Today I went through my yarn stash and am working on a blanket to get rid of the majority of left overs that I just can't seem to use up. Perhaps when it is finished, I'll post a picture...or learn how to at least. :)

It's a good feeling.

Do you need to purge anything?

XO,
Bliss

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Guzzling

So, I challenged you last time to drink more water.

How's it going?

For me, I've been dong fairly good. I've gotten on average 3 liters a day! I'm pushing for four. My goal, I think is about 5. We'll see how that goes. I don't know if I have time to a) drink that much water in a day or b) use the restroom that frequently.

One thing I am really trying to do is get in at least one full liter before anything else enters my body in the morning. No milk or food stuffs before the water. Why?!


The firs thing that always comes up when you google water before breakfast is weight loss. While this is an awesome side benefit, it is not the main reason I drink a ton before feeding myself. The main reason is to flush out toxins my body has ousted while I was fast asleep. The body tends to purge itself of nasties at night, and the easiest way to get them out of your liver and so on is to drink water and lots of it.

Another reason is it helps to hydrate you again after quite a few hours of nothing. It also aides in digestion and keeping you regular.

One thing I do want to address, though is drinking TOO much. Some say it can't be done, but others do. I would like to cover some of my bases, as I am by no means from the medical profession, or taken any kind of natural medicine courses either.

Too much water can kill you. Beyond drowning, it can off set your electrolytes and screw with you. It can also replace the want or the feeling that you need to eat and lower your caloric intake far too drastically.  But, from what I've read, it LOTS of water and all at one time. SO - I guess be careful and don't drink your 2-5 liters all at one time!

Have a watery day,

xo,
Bliss!

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Drinking Water

I have always hated blogs that constantly apologize for long absences...but, I'm finding that I am turning into that kind of blogger. I thought I could keep this up at a regular pace, but I'm finding that close to impossible. Perhaps in the next few weeks I'll get back in to the swing of things.  Until then - I am sorry for those of you who check back regularly and find nothing has changed. It is quite disappointing. 

So, as you read last time, I want to challenge you to drink more water.

There are so many reasons to drink more water.  I, personally, have a few reasons that I've started drinking as much as I can stand a day. (which, I have to admit is going up and down regularly. Some days, I'll get in as much as 3 litres, but others...maybe 1...)

For me, the need for water drinking was brought to my attention because of my rosacea. I had started researching ways to reduce flare ups as well as possibly get rid of it all together.  There is not much you can do for rosacea other than not getting it, going on medication, or lasers.  Well, the first option isn't open to me. Medicines are a no go, and lasering is a LAST resort. A few web sites said one thing, many said nothing.  One thing that was agreed upon by most, however, was to DRINK water. LOTS and LOTS of water.  There was science behind it.  I was sucked in.

Basically, there are a few things water can do for me. It helps with flushing (vascular dilation...by maintaining body heat), flushing out toxins through the liver, hydrating my skin, and keeping me from being thirsty.

There are so many other reasons to drink water!
- losing weight
- less sugar consumption (as compared to soda pop or juice)
-helps keep you regular
-decrease the risk for certain kinds of cancer
-aids in proper cellular formation

...and so many more reasons!


SO!

I challenge you! Drink more!  I, personally, have resolved to drink 1 liter of water before anything else when I wake up in the morning. I will try to drink at least two more liters through out the day as well.

What are you going to do?

Not so thirsty,

XO,
Bliss