One of the things to do when fighting Lyme Disease (and any illness in my opinion) is to examine the role of detox in your life. At the beginning of this journey I had a really hard time detoxifying and it was a learning game over the years to figure out what worked with my body without being to harsh.
I have shared before about the the benefits of dry brushing (which you can read about HERE) and today I wanted to update and share a bit more about detox baths. For a LONG time my life consisted of two detox baths a day to help in the role of healing.
To be frank, I am not sure why I didn't start doing detox baths before November 2014. I used to take a relaxing bath once a week when I was teaching, but I never really investigated the arena of detox baths until 2014. After several of my Lyme symptoms continued to flare and worsen and become debilitating, I was desperate to find relief and a friend suggested Epsom salt baths.
I researched a ton about it, talked with several other "Lymie friends", discussed it with a naturopath doctor, talked with my physician, and continued to research some more. After about 4 weeks of intense research I thought it was worth a try and could help me on this journey. Frankly I have never regretted it or looked back.
The benefits that I have found plus the benefits to my health and help in healing have been priceless. For a long time I was asked if I really kept up with 2 a day detox baths and the answer was a definite YES. I did them every single day- even on holidays and continue to do them even though I don't always do two a day at this stage in my healing journey.
One of things that best things that a detox bath does is help my body remove unwanted toxins. Due to the fact that I do have the MTHFR gene my body struggles (more than the "normal person") to detoxify. Having added toxins is never good for your health but especially when you are fighting Lyme (or any other illness) you do not need to carry additional toxins. These baths are a simple aid that I can use to help my support this detoxification process.
A second thing that a detox bath does is to help strengthen my immune system. When you are seriously ill detox baths can be a simple way of allowing you to absorb some things that you might not be able to otherwise do through your skin. Some of the products that you can use in your detox bath can help strengthen your immune system which can also be a wonderful help!
So as I mentioned before I take Epsom salt baths (as my base).There are so many benefits of Epsom salts which include:
(1) improving heart health
(2)reducing blood clots
(3) lowering blood pressure
(4) improving the body's ability to use insulin,
(5)reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes,
(6)Flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells
(7) easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances,
(8)Improve nerve function by regulating electrolytes and more."
I add to the Epsom salt baths a 1/3 of a cup of raw apple cider vinegar (you can read about the benefits of apple cider vinegar here), a 1/3 of a cup of Aloe Vera Juice, and then certain essential oils that I have researched and found to be helpful not only with my symptoms but also help in the healing process of Lyme Disease. [I have also been known to add in additional kinds of Aloe Vera juice, probiotics, and even water from stems of greens].
There are so many different detox bath recipes that you can find online or in doing research. Kris Carr has created a detox bath recipe which you can find by clicking here. The wellness mama lists three different detox bath recipes on her website which you can find by clicking here. (Honestly I could list about a thousand so I would encourage you to talk with your physician and do lots of research!)
As far as the temperature goes I actually vary the temperature every day with every bath. It takes a crazy amount of planning but I take the time to really think through and map out my baths and their temperatures. There are a couple of reasons for this.
First, many people believe that very hot baths are the best at killing toxins. I believe that there is merit to this, but there is also research coming out of Japan (Kyoto Prefectural University) that states that there is some correlation between extreme hot baths and heart attacks. Due to this (and I don't think this can be stressed enough) it is VERY important to consult with a physician before beginning baths.
Second, I also vary the temperature because there is some research that states that taking a cold shower can actually improve your immune function. All of that to say it is best to consult with a physician to come up with a detox bath schedule that works best for you!
At the end of the day there are some negative side effects of detoxing (which again is why you want to consult a physician) and I would encourage you to go slow. Anyone who has done any type of detoxing knows what I mean. Last year when I first was set to begin I researched a bunch, didn't talk with a physician and jumped right into doing several different detoxifying things. I was sick as a dog for several weeks and it was awful.
When I started the research process again I did things more slowly (even with the amount of the ingredients that I use) and slowly starting adding different detoxifying methods in. At the beginning it felt that I was doing absolutely nothing, but now, years later I can't believe all that my body is doing.
So take things slow... and especially if you are seriously ill take things even slower. Treat your body like the warrior that it is and honor it with taking things one step at a time. Drink lots of extra water and rest more. Detoxifying is a process and it is not a sprint so take your time and you will get there!
I would love to know if you take detox baths and what you put in yours! Do you find them helpful?
ALL of this information is only to be helpful and I can't stress how important it is to follow the path of a doctor in your detoxifying process. Detoxifying is a necessary part of healing but must be done under the care of a knowledgeable physician.
Happy Wednesday friends! I am excited to link up with Mel, Shaeffer, and Shay for the "What's Up Wednesday" Link up! I have so enjoyed reading these ladies posts and am excited to join in! It has been so fun to connect with so many other ladies who are doing this each month over last year and I am looking forward to connecting more in 2017. Here are all of the "What's up Wednesday" posts from 2017:
And here are all of my "What's up Wednesday" posts from 2016:
If you would like to join in and have a blog, just answer the questions above!
What We're Eating this Week... 
Pesto. And more Pesto.
I shared this last month, but I work hard get tons of greens into me every single day and recently one of the simple and extra ways that I have found to get more spinach and basil into me is through Pesto. I literally have been using it on everything... sandwiches, fish, as a dip with veggies, etc. It is SO yummy! You can find my easy and healthy basil and spinach pesto recipe on the blog HERE. I have recently been trying to get more dandelions into me (you can read all of of the health benefits of dandelions HERE) and so I have started to add a bit of dandelion to the pesto recipe. As a warning... dandelion has a bit of a strong flavor so start slowly. *smiles* What is your favorite pesto recipe? I would love to know!
The 2nd annual party in the woods this year was an absolute blast. Such a special time with our precious family and friends, neighbors, and community. This year our "theme" was celebrating my parents 48th wedding anniversary. I am already looking forward to next year's party!
The late summer and early beginnings of fall sunsets. They are absolutely stunning and have a rich color to them that is unique to the spring and early summer ones.
Over the last several weeks TONS of new items have gone into my Etsy Shop including new children's buntings, scripture buntings, altered journals, and altered calendars (including the adorable "it's fall ya'll" mini altered journal!) Thank you so much for all of your support of my shop! All proceeds go to help pay for my medical expenses and a portion of all proceeds goes to charity! You can find the shop by clicking HERE!
What I'm Dreading...
I have to admit that I am dreading the end of summer. This summer has been one of the most fun-filled summers with delightful daily and big adventures and living life fully in ways that I never thought would be possible again since getting sick. It was nothing like I planned. It was nothing like I dreamed. It was its own sort of perfection. It has been wonderful. It has been freeing. It has been life-giving... So there is a part of me that dreads seeing it come to an end... and yet there is another part of me that wonders and hopes what the next season will bring and that makes me extremely excited.
What I'm Working on...
Lots of marketing items, interviews, and things related to the release of the 2nd Edition of Praying through Lyme Disease which released June 1st!! I have been overwhelmed and so grateful for the continued support of this project. If you would like to help spread the word about this book I am definitely looking for help in a few areas which I shared about in a blog post HERE. Thank you!! Praying through Lyme Disease is available where books are sold and on Amazon.
I am also working on another upcoming book project which has been stretching, invigorating, and exciting. I can't wait to share more in the upcoming weeks! (If you are interested in my books you can find all of them HERE.)
My upcoming trip with Ali to Prince Edward Island in October! We can't wait!! We are still looking for recommendations for a few things in that area- so if you have any tips or ideas please share them!
What I'm Watching/Reading...
So y'all know that I don't watch a ton of tv or anything but this past month I watched You've Got Mail again which I hadn't seen in years. Y'all it was so sweet and it made me giggle about the whole email system which, let's be real, I remember very well. Who else remembers those wonderful words- "you've got mail"?? (PS If you have an Amazon Prime Subscription you can watch it for free by clicking HERE!)
What I'm Listening To...
Lots and lots of different music... hahaha a couple of weeks ago I was having a conversation about music and there were some bands that I wasn't familiar with so... yes, those are pretty much now on repeat. Hahaha.
What I'm Wearing...
Transitional summer to fall pieces. Here in the north the days and nights are quickly getting cooler so I have started to slowly put away the "summery" items and break out the fall things. I shared this past month about a few of my favorite items on zulily that I have found, including this adorable maxi skirt. You can read more about the finds HERE.
The trip to Prince Edward Island, the beginnings of fall, welcoming a new season.
I would love to know your answers to these questions friends! Share your thoughts below in the comments!!
Happy Wednesday!
Today I am so excited to share just a few of my favorite and fun fall activities around the Lake Champlain area! I would love to hear what plans y'all have for the fall!
Drive to See Fall Foliage
Starting in mid-September through October the gorgeous leaves burst into color creating a beautiful view for all to see. Surrounding Lake Champlain are both the Adirondack and Green Mountains so you can see so many vibrant colors on both sides of the Lake.
Hiking
Both the Adirondack Mountains and the Green Mountains surround the beautiful Lake Champlain. If you love hiking in the New England area then this area of the United States is a hikers dream. If you are interested in hiking the Adirondacks and want to hike all of the "46 peaks" for the "46ers club" you can find out more about this HERE. Two of my friends completed this two years ago and it was such an exciting accomplishment! If you are interested in finding out more about hiking in the Green Mountains you can join the "Green Mountain Club" and find out more about it HERE.
I have shared before about one of my favorite towns, Essex, and all of its adorable charms. Every year Essex hosts, "Christmas in Essex" in the beginning of December which brings in the holiday season. If you are going to be around this area you can find out more details HERE. Essex is just one town along the lake that offers adorable New England charm, quaint and yummy dining options with beautiful lake side views, a rich and cultural experience, and unique shopping during the fall. You can read more about all of my favorite towns along the New York side of Lake Champlain HERE.
Biking
Just like it is for summer, biking is a perfect activity for the fall months! All along Lake Champlain there are tons of different bike paths that you can choose from that will take you around the Lake, or by the Lake (like the beautiful views that the Burlington Vermont Bike Path offers), and some that even "cross the lake" using one of the ferries or bridges.
Ride the Cloudsplitter Gondola at Whiteface Mountain
I shared about this adventure we did in the early spring and the views from the top are breathtaking. You can read more about our adventure HERE and the views with the leaves changed would be simply stunning. You can find out more about the Cloudsplitter Gondola at Whiteface Mountain HERE.
Adirondack Balloon Festival
The Adirondack Balloon Festival is a yearly festival that happens every September in Glens Falls, NY and in Queensbury, NY. You can find out more about this event by clicking HERE. There is also a Vermont Balloon Festival which is so fun and is wonderful to check out if you are wanting to be in Vermont.
Adirondack Coast Wine, Cider, & Beer Fall Festival
There are many Fall festivals that are held in the towns and cities along Lake Champlain, but one of the popular ones is the Adirondack Coast Wine, Cider, & Beer Festival that is held in October in Plattsburgh, NY. You can find out more about this festival HERE!
Farmers Markets
There are numerous towns along Lake Champlain that hosts farmers markets each week. Each of these farmers markets offer the best of local products and offer a wonderful opportunity to support the local farms.
Take a Weekend Trip
There are numerous weekend trips that you can take surrounding the Lake Champlain area. You could head north into Canada or south to New York City or over to Boston... honestly for driving less than 5 hours you can step into a different world for the weekend.
Heroic Corn Maze, Fort Ticonderoga
The "heroic corn maze" in Fort Ticonderoga is a family friendly activity for people of all ages to enjoy. This six-acre corn maze is designed especially for Fort Ticonderoga providing a variety of opportunities (including historical ones) for people to find in this life size puzzle. The maze is open throughout the season through mid-October and even has days that the maze can be explored at night. Find out more information about this fun fall event by clicking HERE.
Applefolkfest at Penfield Museum
Penfield Museum which is located in Crown Point, NY (on the lower part of Lake Champlain) hosts "Applefolkfest" each year which is an excellent fall tradition to be apart of. As the name suggests, the museum is paying homage and celebrating the staple of fall in northern, New York, the apple. You can find out more about this family friendly even by clicking HERE.
Apple Picking
I love fall. I really do. It makes me feel all cozy inside and there is something about going apple picking that makes it seem like the seasons have transitioned. There are numerous places to go apple picking in this area. (The same thing is true for going to pick out a pumpkin!)
There are so many different things to do around Lake Champlain in the Fall! What are your favorites?
Happy Monday friends and also Happy Labor Day! I have been thinking so much lately about how despite all of the problems that we have here in our country we also have SO much to be incredibly grateful for! I hope that today some of you have the day off to rest, rejuvenate, and be refreshed as you spend time with friends and family.
Listed below are some of my favorite sales and codes to use if you are looking at finding some great deals today! I hope that you have a wonderful day friends!
ANN TAYLOR// (Click Picture Above) 50% off select full price styles + extra 60% off all sale items
CHINESE LAUNDRY// Multiple Sales. Use Code: LBRDAY
CITY CHIC //59% off everything. Use Code: LABORDAY
FOREVER 21 // tons of labor day deals- some starting at $2!
GAP //40% off everything, no exclusions, Use Code: LABORDAY
JOULES // 25% off everything. Use Code: LABORDAY
LOFT//(Click Picture Above)40% off select full price styles + extra 60% off all sale items
MODCLOTH// Variety of Sale Items
RENT THE RUNWAY // Variety of Clearance and Sale Items
SHEIN //50% off select styles
Happy Monday friends! I hope you have a wonderful day!!
Let's Go To Paris Altered Travel Journal Now Available in the Shop and a Special Coupon for a Donation to Hurricane Harvey Victims
September 2, 2017
Happy Saturday friends! Today I am so excited to share with you a cute addition to the shop! This adorable Let's Go To Paris Altered Travel Journal is now available for purchase! (You can find it HERE!)
Ever since I was a young girl, I have always had an obsession with journaling and making things that I own pretty. I love to fill my journals and list pads with colorful, unique, whimsical, and pretty ribbons, sweet paraphernalia, and writing that speaks to my heart and that encourages me.
This Let's Go To Paris Altered Journal is approximately 4 x 6 and comes with approximately 30 lined-pages.
This journal is an adorable size and so light weight that it would be the perfect list pad to carry in your purse or even fit in your wallet.
This sweet journal turned out so sweet y'all and I loved the combination of the purple and white tones. I love the feminine and whimsical look look that is timeless.
If you are interested in purchasing the Let's Go To Paris Altered Journal you can find it HERE.. If you are interested in looking at other altered travel journals that are available in the shop you can find them in the altered travel journals section HERE!
Also, I am sure like all of y'all you have felt helpless in watching the devastation in Texas. I know that I have felt overwhelmed and have felt so small in how I can help out personally beyond a donation to the Red Cross. I recently learned that a sweet and dear friend of mine, Erin Morris's family (you can find her IG Community HERE ) has suffered loss like so many others. They have set up a Go-Fund Me Page which you can find HERE to read more and donate directly. Any purchases made in the shop this weekend will have the proceeds donated to help support Erin's sweet family in this time of loss. And as a small thank you for helping out, please feel free to use the code HURRICANEHARVEY to receive 10% of your entire order.
If you are looking for additional ways to help victims of Hurricane Harvey, Shay has listed several local organizations which you can read about HERE.
Happy Saturday friends! I hope that you have a wonderful day and weekend with friends!!
Today I may be blaming the post on the long weekend that is in front of us as I thought it would be fun to sharing quirks and random facts that have me giggling. I am also giggling because I am wondering why I think this will be fun to share the things that make me strange. *hahaha* Maybe it is the southern half of me:
But seriously we all have quirks and over the years it has been fun in bloggy world to read others posts so I know this is going to be so fun to realize what makes all a bit special. *smiles*
PHOBIAS
spiders
I have a serious fear of big spiders. It is huge. Several years ago when I was living in Georgia I came home from a day of teaching and saw THE hugest brown recluse that I have ever seen in front of the stairs to get to my apartment. I literally called my mom sobbing and wouldn't go up the stairs.
Y'all I waited an hour for someone to come and help and by someone I meant my next door neighbor.... okay his 9 year old son. *hahaha* I got out of the car screaming "Be careful of the huge Brown Recluse" to which he calmly went and picked up his TOY. He looked at me like I was crazy and I proceeded to cry tears as I shouted- "Oh I am so glad you are safe!"
Now before you judge- why in the world do people give children toy and pet spiders. Just say no to the spiders. For all of us. *hahahaha*
I once had a group of students that would hide "baby plastic spiders" in different parts of my room. Y'all I would scream every single time. They said it was in love and I am half giggling and half cowering in my bed as I write and remember those pranks.
(But not as much as I am giggling remembering being put in a soccer net. ) *hahahaha*
high heights
I sound all brave about heights until I start climbing up high and the thought of jumping out of a plane or off of something high scares the life out of me. SO you may be surprised to learn that I did do bungee jumping off a high bridge while I was living and studying abroad in France. Let us blame that on a cute boy. I screamed the entire time. *hahahaha*
QUIRKS
random
(1) I don't edit my pictures on the blog (except to add a watermark) or on my Instagram. I will literally take hundreds of pictures for the couple to use. I know, I know. Crazy but true.
(2) When people say "wow, you are so tall" I literally want to roll my eyes. I mean, honestly people.
(3) Every month I write and write and write. In this month alone I will write, edit, and re-write over 300 pages of writing for books I am working on, articles I am writing, and the blog. (And of course it needs to be edited in colored pens because as y'all know I love colored pens. *smiles*)
(4) I love people playing with my hair. Going to the hairdresser is my favorite thing ever.
(5) I had a love affair with all things being pretty and colorful even when I was teaching which meant poor former students were stuck in a classroom with tons of pretty flowers and happy colored powerpoint presentations even when learning about wars and terrorism.
(6) I love to travel and explore- even if it is just to a different road that I have never been on.
(7) I love wearing skirts and dresses more than anything. I love purses. I love jewelry. I am definitely a girly girl to the fullest even though I love being out in nature.
(8) I love developing community and deep friendships. My motto is that if you are a friend you are part of my family...some people think that it is a little over the top... I believe in loving big.
(9) I love to dance. Literally love it. It may even be a requirement for the future hubby. *hahaha* I joke... sort of. Hahaha.
(10) I have several food allergies, but the one that always surprises people is that I am allergic to chicken.
(11) When I am done eating I cover my plate with a napkin. I honestly don't want to see it anymore.
(12) I have never liked carbonated drinks. Ever. And so I have never had an entire soda/coke in my entire life.
(13) I drink almost 300 ounces of water every single day.
(14) My sister is "hoopster" and I am "pom pom". Let us blame this on a very bad break up that resulted in a marathon watching of Alias and thinking that the way they had code names was "cool". Hahaha- somehow this has stuck and it continues on to this day.
(15) I call my grandmother "Ba" and before he passed away I called my grandfather "Pa". "Ba has stuck around and now the whole family calls my precious grandmother "Ba" which is so fun!
(16) Over the years of being sick my dad started calling me "Becky". I am not sure when it started or why, but I really love it.
(17) I love things neat and organized (especially my craft room) and even at one point before I got sick had my clothes color-coordinated. (Don't judge until you try it. *smiles*)
(18) Rudeness bothers me and so do people that are manipulative and hypocritical.
(19) It sometimes bothers me when people refer to Lyme Disease as "Lymes" (I am speaking about those from the medical community, insurance companies, government officials, etc.). The reason is that there is already so much confusion and mis-information about Lyme that exists that saying the name wrong feels slightly like an insult. (Or calling it a completely different name all together like when I was asked how my fight with "Lame Disease" was going!) (If you don't know what Lyme Disease is that is okay! I really didn't either before I got sick so that I why I wrote the post, "What is Lyme Disease?" to make it simple!)
(20) My favorite place in the world, the place I call camp is where I most love to be with family and friends. At the same time though I have lived in so many different places and know that I would be content anywhere if it is with the person I love.
(21) I once carried a gun for my job in DC (not teaching job) and hated every second of it.
(22) I have been the recipient of such extreme grace that I truly believe in extending grace to others freely and fully. I truly believe that we are all just trying our best.
Okay friends, there are just a few of my random things. What are some of your strange quirks and random facts? I would love to know!
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