good for me

Self care habits in progress. I feel so good when I take time out to treat myself. It pleases me  even more when the practice is inexpensive. Polishing my nails, at-home facial, or sometimes a lengthy shower or bath.  It's extremely important to make time for yourself. I know we hear this often, but self care really promotes mental and physical health. If you're having a rough day, challenging week, or simply feeling  overwhelmed or unenthusiastic about circumstances, I strongly urge you to make time for yourself. I find that I am able to think clearer, and my stress levels are reduced significantly after I practice self care.  Sharing a few self care pics below; at home facial, read book alone in the car, or outside in the sun, make a fun (favorite drink) to enjoy alone, or try an at home mani/pedicure. I also find drawing and painting extremely relaxing. Perhaps you can take a walk or get your heart pumping by exercising. Try slower movements with yoga or pilates....

Boost your immune system, and start repairing your body internally with zinc.  My (functional medicine) doctor recommended that I incorporate zinc into my diet, by taking a daily supplement, but preferably considering zinc in my food choices.  It was explained that zinc could assist with reversing some of the internal damage of my stomach.  For most of my life, I've been consuming gluten, probably daily, never realizing that it was wreaking havoc on my intestines. In the beginning, I mainly suffered from constipation.   As I got older, bloating and stomach discomfort became a daily thing, along with the constipation.  My stomach issues became my life, and began controlling my life, and even my wardrobe.  Yes, my scarf collection, and flowy tops expanded.   Keeping a scarf on hand daily, in case I needed a cover up for my distended belly.   Then came the hiatal hernia and belching, after almost every meal, and I'd sometimes e...

Cacao is an awesome superfood, packed the antioxidants and all of the good stuff we need to assist with our mood, weight struggles, energy loss, heart problems and more.   I personally use raw cacao in my plant based smoothies, coffee, almond milk -- you get the point.  The taste is a little bitter, unlike cocoa or a chocolate bar, but it's an additive when I'm mixing in my drinks.   I also use cacao in a few of my facials, lip scrubs, and body butters.  It's a natural ingrediant that goes a long way and serves so many purposes.   So Daily Super Food Love site shares a long list of suggestions on how to use your cacao, in case you were needing a few more ideas! http://dailysuperfoodlove.com/2852/21-fantastic-benefits-of-cacao/ What's the difference between cocoa, and cacao??  I've wondered the same thing, see link below from One Green Planet! http://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-food/cacao-vs-cocoa-what-you-need-to-know/

Two teas that you may want to add to your diet, yerba mate and matcha green tea.  The taste is doable and the benefits are awesome.  I came across these two images that simply breakdown the benefits offered from both teas.  Yerba Mate Matcha Green Tea

Here's another alternative to sleep meds, and a simple (reasonably priced) remedy for a host of conditions you may be suffering from.   The simplicity of the Himalayan pink salt lamps is what makes this product so awesome.  Yes, all it requires you to do is to plug it up.  That's it!  So it's a winner, no-brainer, why-not?, purchase.   Read more on how this lamp can fix your problems below. So, I've loved mine from day one.  My lamp sits on a nightstand next to the bed.  I close the bedroom and closet doors, with the goal of absorbing as much of the benefits as possible.  One concern you may have with your lamp is the lighting, if you have trouble sleeping in a less-than pitch dark room.  And if so, just use it during the day while you are awake.  The lamp can remove all sorts of 'bad stuff' from the air you breath in your home;  in-door air pollutants, pollen, dust, chemical...

 If you're a big fan of showers, plus love aromatherapy, than shower steamers are a must-have.  So quick and simple to make, and the benefits are pretty amazing too.  While showering and doing whatever it is that you're doing in the shower, you can easily multi-task and take on a mind blowing aromatherapy treatment.  I love lavender for relaxing, and eucalyptus when I'm feeling ill.  How about lemongrass for an early morning pick-me-up, or perhaps, just because you want your bathroom to smell like flowers as you're showering.  My homemade steamers (lemongrass, cucumber melon, and lavender).  I keep mine in a sealed tight bag until they are ready to be used.  This ensures the scent is locked in.  Because the steamers can be somewhat pricey in the stores, maybe consider making them at home for pennies.  Here are a few options, that offer a variety of scent concoctions, and a little creativity too if inter...

I strongly believe in keeping it simple when it comes to caring for my face, and overall body.  I've never considered adopting an extensive, lengthy facial regimen.  If time, natural beauty, and simplicity are your best friends,  (plus you're looking for a cheap routine for maintaining your skin) , here's a great product to purchase!  The konjac sponge, an eco-friendly sponge that helps revive the skin, getting rid of those dead skin cells while promoting a natural healthy glow.  I've personally used the konjac sponge on my face daily, every morning since October 2016, so nearly a year.  Yes, plenty of time to identify any mishaps, negative thoughts, or concerns.  But no complaints here, because it's a winner!  The price is so low, that you cannot complain, and the work that this little plant sponge puts into your skin is even better!  Here are a few known facts about the konjac spong...

Magnesium has been a lifesaver in my household, for myself, as well as the children.  If you follow my posts, you know that I have been a longtime fan of magnesium.  I've found it to be even more effective than Epsom salt when it comes to muscle aches and/or swelling.  I started making my own magnesium oil a while back, applying the oil into my skin for health reasons.  This recipe was found on the Wellness Mama site, so check it out if this is something you're considering trying.  http://wellnessmama.com/5804/make-your-own-magnesium-oil/   So both of my children have experienced minor headaches and back pains here and there.  It was suggested that I try magnesium vitamins, since I'm opposed to using Tylenol, ibuprofen, etc., particularly when we're talking about small children.  The magnesium serves the same purpose as a Tylenol, relieving the pain, tension, aches, and even inflammation.  Every since discovering th...

Lemons, cucumbers, and mint would be my favorite additives for boring water.  It tastes pretty awesome, and it's considered to be a natural way to detox the body, every morning before you get into your daily routine/habits - dairy, caffeine, meat, stress. Consuming this morning detox promotes beauty on the outside by protecting and healing our skin.  But in addition to glowing skin, this detox works on tackling those internal issues as well- getting rid of the unnecessary junk in our system.    Food Matters mentions http://www.foodmatters.com  the following: Lemon Water Flushes Out Toxins And Is Extremely Beneficial For The Body lemon water serves as the perfect ‘good morning drink’, as it aids the digestive system and makes the process of eliminating the waste products from the body easier. It prevents the problem of constipation and diarrhea, by ensuring smooth bowel functions. Well the same goes for adding cucumber and/or mint to your ...

Apparently, anxiety is pretty common in America, and even more common when we look at the number of women that suffer from this condition, vs men.  I was searching for info on anxiety, and I came across this awesome article -  click link below .  Also, see the 8 facts of stress that the article explains, but be sure to read the full article as it gives in-depth info on this condition, particularly if you or someone close to you suffers from anxiety. https://www.elementsbehavioralhealth.com/anxiety-disorders-2/8-facts-anxiety-anxiety-disorders/ Fact #1 : It’s normal to worry or feel anxious about some things in life. Fact #2: Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States. Fact #3: There are many types of anxiety disorders. Different kinds of anxiety disorders include: Of all of the anxiety disorders, GAD is the most common, affecting 5 percent of all Americans a...

Spending time away from the home is my dilemma.  When I'm on the go, and the only stop I make at home is to do a quick change or to eat or shower, things go undone quickly.  This makes for a natural disaster in the home.  The plus about my house, is that I try to live a minimalistic lifestyle, meaning less is best.  I only hold on to the necessities-  less messes to clean up and straighten.  There are certainly other things that we'd rather be doing with our time, than cleaning the home. Here are a few links below, sharing how to clean, declutter, and organzie, while being mindful of the environment and your health.  https://www.houselogic.com/organize-maintain/cleaning-decluttering/ http://inhabitat.com/spring-cleaning-6-green-tips-to-organize-and-simplify-your-home/  http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/wellness_articles.asp?id=1073 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/saudia-davis/10-must-have-products-for_b_5187...

According to an article by Svastha Ayurveda, http://svasthaayurveda.com/how-to-perform-a-mental-detox/  "mental toxins can be even more detrimental than physical toxins, as 99% of all diseases stems from a mental origin."  Wow!!!  With that being said, isn't it time to get our mental state in check?  Well here's what I've discovered;  treating myself sometimes, always makes creates a better me.  Please know, I am also guilty of ignoring my own needs, work in progress.  But I'll get their one day   Let's tackle this task.  To calm my mood and pour into my mental health, I remove myself from everyone, including children and friends.  It's hard, I know!  I was recently forced into implementing this practice, and also staying present in that moment, (ignore calls, e-mails, busy thoughts of what you could be doing, and where you could be instead).  It felt so good,  refreshin...

Life of Random,  http://lifeofrandom.com/ , featured Bon Pour Moi a few times in their recent article post-  http://lifeofrandom.com/best-natural-products-face-skin-hair/ .  Check it out and also see a recent list of Bon Pour Moi natural products and prices here. -  http://bonpourmoi.blogspot.com/2016/02/blog-post.html .  Black soap, clay facial, lip/body butter as featured in the article, and so much more!

I always have hydrogen peroxide on hand in my house.  It's simply one of those go-to-items when do an array of things; home cleaning, medical purposes, food prep/handling, laundry.  According to an article from Wake Up World, http://wakeup-world.com/ , "hydrogen peroxide is considered to be the world's safest all natural effective sanitizer!"  That's a pretty amazing claim, particularly with the cost of hydrogen peroxide being so low.  So why wouldn't you keep this non-toxic product in stock at all times.  Here are a few links that offer just a few examples on why we love hydrogen peroxide in our home. http://www.byrdie.com/hydrogen-peroxide-uses/ http://www.naturallivingideas.com/hydrogen-peroxide-uses/ http://www.collective-evolution.com/2014/02/16/25-amazing-benefits-uses-for-hydrogen-peroxide/ http://wakeup-world.com/2012/07/09/27-amazing-benefits-and-uses-for-hydrogen-peroxide/

    If you follow me, or if you are famililar with the Bon Pour Moi Product collections, you know that I am a huge fan of clay.  BPM offers Indian, Moroccan (red clay), French clay, Kaolin (white clay), Rhassoul , Kelp , Triphala, Manjista, and Mud.  Yes, that's a long list of options.  And that's because I love clay and it's countless benefits.  It's a natural healer, and can be used in several ways to address your concerns.    Below, I've attatched a few links from various websites that share how clay can be used in your healing process.  Also, see a few testimonies showing the power of clay detoxes.      Check it out, and submit your questions and clay orders now.  $6 for one item, or $15 for three items.          The Detox Bath with Clay http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/11/the-ultimate-detox-bath.html   Clay Faci...

Ever wonder why there has been a massive influx in the diagnosis of asthma, allergies, autism, ADHD, fibroid tumors, endometriosis, infertility, numerous cancers, diseases, and illnesses.   The diagnosis' keep coming, but the cause and genuine explanation as to why is stated, "TO BE CONTINUED."  Perhaps, it's true that our bodies are continuously being exposed (overexposed) to chemicals and toxic matters that we cannot begin to even fathom an accurate count.  It's been proven that a baby will be exposed to numerous toxins, only hours of exiting the mother's womb.  Truth, even the "safe" breast milk is contaminated with chemicals and unknown toxins.  You are basically exposed to toxins simply by existing. We would love to believe that if a product or food is placed on the market for the consumer, it must be safe.  Fact, the American Chemical Society and the FDA have very few restrictions on how they decide i...

Get rid of "everything" that is bad for you: I'm always stressing the importance of analyzing our belongings, tossing junk, unnecessary items, unimportant things that take up space in our homes, space, and our minds.  We often get too attached to "things" but I know from experience, how empowering it feels to free up your space. But what about people?  Yes, people that are negative, unhealthy, space-invaders, and toxic. Often, people can distract us from our goals or possibly block our opportunities and happiness. I've removed and let go of several people in my life over the years, because I felt it was absolutely necessary. Even if it's someone you love-  love them from a distance.   If the relationship is exhausting, draining you mentally, getting the best of you, let it go.  No explanation needed, and no guilt to follow. Below, Zen Habits offers a list of ways to deal with the good, the bad, and the ugliness of a relationship, as well as...

Visit Mind Body Green, and learn about the effects of a hormonal imbalance.  It basically wreaks havoc on the entire body, causing a disruption in your everyday living. If you feel like the symptoms listed in the below image describe you, consider the natural tips suggested by these two informative websites, Mind Body Green, http://www.mindbodygreen.com/  and Empowered Sustenance, http://empoweredsustenance.com/   .  Finally get your hormones moving in the right direction. http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-20232/10-ways-to-reset-your-hormones-for-health-energy-weight-control.html http://empoweredsustenance.com/balance-hormones/

How many times have I flipped through a magazine, or scrolled through Pinterest, and stopped midway because I came across a face that was simply beautiful.  I often think that just maybe, the days of perfection are going out the window.  Perhaps, we are finally starting to accept beauty and all of it's flaws that go along with it.  The shape, freckles, glasses, braces, gap teeth, too skinny, too fat, too tall, too short, big butt, flat butt, too dark and pale, straight and curly hair, thick and fine hair. And the list goes on..... I'm amazed more often than not, because I'm constantly reading and reviewing articles and websites that focus on what's going on in our world today.  The truth is, no "I didn't wake up like this, perfect, and I don't live a life of perfection."  Even the stars are starting to voice their flaws, and parent's are calling out their own downfalls.  I'm loving it, because it just helps us all be more present. I ...