If you are like me, we’ve had the house all closed up, and now it’s time to air it out, let in some clean, fresh air, and brighten up our home and environment.

A few simple things to start with are:
1. Open up the windows and doors and let the fresh air into your house. Replace the filters of your air conditioning system.
2. Wash your windows. It can be an amazing way to make your home or office look clean and refreshing.
3. Bring in a beautiful plant to lift your spirits and help clean toxins out of the air.
4. Clean out your refrigerator and pantry.
5. De-clutter closets, rooms, drawers, etc. Start to redistribute or throw out things that you haven’t used in a year or more, or that are old, broken or don’t make you feel happy.

One thing to be aware of as you are doing your cleaning, is that most of our cleaning care products today are a mixture of synthetic chemicals, including known allergens. These products are based on age-old recipes, that used to include natural ingredients.

But over the years, many of our cleaning products have changed, and many of them now contain toxic, carcinogenic ingredients. These can cause health problems when exposed to them on a regular basis. The federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act, which governs the safety of cleaning and personal care products, does not require manufacturers to substantiate the safety of their products before selling them.

For example, some US soaps, detergents, shampoos and conditioners will often contain two chemical preservatives — methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone. These chemicals have been banned in the European Union for use in personal care products, on the grounds that they are sensitizing allergens. The U.S. has no restrictions, even though your skin is repeatedly exposed to these substances when used.

Product labels can list “fragrance” as an ingredient. “Fragrance” is a generic term, which allows a number of carcinogenic chemicals to be added to a product in order to make it smell good, without having to be listed.

These chemical mixtures often contain toxic individual ingredients that have been linked to cancer, endocrine disruption and serious allergic reactions. By using the term “fragrance” on the label, companies can avoid telling consumers the truth about what is actually in the product.
If one company sells its products in Europe and in the US, it can make a particular product with two different recipes and two separate labels, but they will look virtually identical.

In Europe, where the regulation of ingredients in products is much stricter, it’s container will have to state that it contains seven known allergens in its “fragrance.” In the US, the list of known toxins is not required. As is the case with all (personal and household) products, companies can use almost any mixture of chemicals they choose.

The US federal law regulating the personal care and household products industry has one of the weakest regulatory programs in the world, and it remains almost unchanged since 1938!

The quality of the ingredients in your household cleaning products is extremely important. Buy environmentally safe, non-toxic home cleaners. If you would like to see a list of highly rated green products that are carefully rated by the EWG (a non-profit group that does independent analyses of products for their safety, non-toxicity, and effectiveness).

Here is another thing to be aware of. Since our pets and children are much lower to the ground, their faces and noses can pick up toxic chemicals much easier. This can cause many health problems, including nerve damage and allergies, and more, since these toxins go directly into the bloodstream through the skin, without being filtered.

Household cleaners and body care items, such as soaps, detergents, household cleaners, toothpastes, shampoo, and conditioners should ideally be non-toxic and non-carcinogenic, in order to protect you, your family, pets, friends and the environment.

Have you ever read the ingredients and warnings on your bottle of cleaner?

The other day, I was at a friend’s home and she had just mopped her floor.
I got an immediate headache and started feeling sick. I asked her if I could look on the bottle of the cleaner she had used.
The label on the bottle had a warning that stated if you breathe in the fumes of this product, to call the poison control immediately.
I told her that many of these cleaners are highly toxic and can cause more harm than good.
She wanted to kill germs, so she thought she was doing the right thing.
Her grandchild crawling on the floor and her little 16 year old dog, whose face is always very close to the floor, would be much better off if she used non-toxic cleaners.

Non-toxic cleaning can give you a wonderful feeling, knowing that your family’s and pet’s health is protected, and that your home is a place for
everyone’s bodies to rest and regenerate in a clean, healthy environment. You also might want to consider going back to making your own cleaning products, using completely safe, non-toxic ingredients. They are extremely easy to make, and very inexpensive. Invite your children to help you, like mixing recipes in the kitchen. (Make it a science project!)

Most of the ingredients are staples that you already have in your kitchen pantry.
With a few simple mixtures, you can easily transform your house into a non-toxic, healthy home.
Following are some of my favorite non-toxic household cleaner recipes.

Basic Cleaner for Surfaces

Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) and White Vinegar
In a study conducted at Virginia Tech University on household cleaners that kill germs (including salmonella), the most effective cleaner was a combination of 3% hydrogen peroxide (like you purchase at the pharmacy) in conjunction with white vinegar. The hydrogen peroxide and vinegar were put into separate spray bottles. One was sprayed on a contaminated surface, immediately followed by the other. Used in this way, the sprays were more effective at killing germs than any store bought product. It didn’t matter which one was sprayed first, the vinegar or the peroxide.
DO NOT be tempted to combine the hydrogen peroxide and the vinegar in one bottle, because it results in peracetic acid, which is potentially harmful. Use the 3% hydrogen peroxide from the pharmacy instead of a food grade hydrogen peroxide, which is much stronger and needs to be used with extreme caution.

Window Cleaner
Combine 2 cups of water, 1⁄4 cup of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl), 1⁄4 cup white vinegar, 2 tsp. corn starch and a 1⁄4 cup lemon juice in a spray bottle.
Shake well before using.  Spray this mixture on glass or windows, and wipe with a micro-fiber cloth.

Scrub for Counters, Sinks, and Stoves
Combine 2 cups baking soda, 1⁄2 cup Castile soap, 4 teaspoons vegetable glycerin, and a few drops essential oil (lavender, peppermint, or tea tree). Store in a sealed jar.
 
Drain Opener
Pour 1⁄2 cup baking soda into the drain, and then pour in 1⁄2 cup white vinegar.
Let stand 30 minutes. Flush with boiling water.

Furniture Polish
Combine 1⁄4 cup olive oil with 1⁄2 cup white vinegar. Add 2 teaspoons lemon juice.
Apply to furniture, and then wipe.

I also buy and use Tung Oil, which is an all natural oil.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Sprinkle the bowl of the toilet with baking soda and add in a little white vinegar.
Wait 30 minutes. Then scrub. You can also add 1⁄4 cup borax.

Purchased Cleaners
I buy Thieves Household Cleaner, and other Thieves cleaners made by Young Living Oils. It is my favorite manufactured cleaner to use on the floor and walls. It is safe for septic systems, has no harsh chemical smell, and is effective for deep cleaning.

I also like non-toxic cleaner brands Myers, Seventh Generation, and Planet. I buy these non-toxic cleaners for dishwashers, laundry, dishes, and more.

Creating that healthy home and office environment that supports you and your family’s health and well-being can be extremely rewarding.
Don’t put it off another day. Put on some uplifting music and start it today!

Notes:
1. If you would like more information about healthful cleaning, you can listen to my radio show (Organic Healthy Lifestyle) podcast with the green cleaning coach, Leslie Reichert, about non-toxic cleaning.
3. Click here to hear my podcast on hoarding, which has become such a problem today.

copyright@nancyaddison2015

Nancy’s 7 books on Amazon are also in Audio and some of them are in large print:
 

https://www.amazon.com/Nancy-Addison/e/B00E6K5KGY/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1

Nancy’s website is: https://www.organichealthylife.com


Support Nancy’s work – Donate on venmo – @Nancy-Addison – any amount would be greatly appreciated.

Medical Disclaimer:

Information provided in this podcast, blog, article, video is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Nancy Addison CHC. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.
Do not use the information provided in this blog, audio podcast, article, video  for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this email.

Information provided in this video or audio and the use of any products or services related to this video by you DOES NOT create a health counselor-client relationship between you and Nancy Addison, certified health counselor. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The post Put A Spring In Your Step With Spring Cleaning appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

Whether we make gingerbread cookies to eat, or gingerbread to make houses with for decoration, gingerbread can be a joyful activity during the holidays. The aroma of gingerbread baking in the oven can make the house smell amazing.

Cookies can be fun to make during the holidays. My children and grandchildren and I love to cook together when we get together.

Gingerbread has historically been consumed as an after dinner digestive aid. Ginger is known for boosting the immune system.
It gained a good reputation for protection against the Bubonic plague. Ginger was also known to ease or lessen the effects of nausea, gas, and bloating. It has the same reputation today. Finishing the meal with gingerbread biscuits can bring quick digestive relief.

On holidays when people tend to overindulge in rich foods, gingerbread cookies can be a lovely accompaniment to a meal.

Wheat, barley and rye are the three main gluten-containing grains. The gluten in wheat is named gliadin, while the type of gluten in barley is hordein and the one in rye is secalin.

If a grain is sprouted, whether it’s gluten-free or gluten-containing, it has had the enzyme inhibitors and phytic acid removed. Then,
it will be more digestible and you will absorb the nutrition more effectively. I order my organic sprouted flours from Blue Mountain Organics.

Organic, non-GMO ingredients are always encouraged.

Note: I have two recipes below. The gluten-free recipe follows this gluten-containing recipe.

Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

Ingredients

6 cups sifted organic flour (that contains gluten like wheat, kamut, or spelt. Thrive Market or One Degree both sell organic sprouted spelt flour.)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

1 cup dark-brown sugar, packed

4 teaspoons ground ginger

4 teaspoons ground Ceylon cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves

1 1/2 teaspoons mineral-rich salt (Real by Redmond’s is a good choice.)

1 teaspoon finely ground black-pepper

2 large pasture-raised, organic, humanely-raised eggs

1 cup unsulfured molasses

Organic powdered sugar (optional for dusting the finished cookies with)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the room temperature butter and brown sugar until fluffy.

3. Mix in the spices, mineral-rich salt, and black-pepper, and then the eggs and molasses.

4. Add the sifted flour mixture on a low speed and be slow and steady.

5. Divide the dough into three parts. Wrap them in parchment paper and chill them for at least 1 hour.

6. Heat the oven to 350 degrees.

7. Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Keep it in the parchment paper, but unfold it. Cut a new large piece of parchment paper out. Press down with your hands to flatten the dough on the bottom parchment paper a bit.
Place the new piece of parchment on top of the dough, so your dough is between the two large pieces of parchment paper, and then roll the dough to 1/4 inch thick with a rolling pin.

Note: I used a small amount of flour to dust the bottom piece of parchment paper, so the cookies don’t stick as badly. The drawback to this is that it can make your cookies have a white flour look on them that doesn’t come off. If you are decorating them with icing, you may not want the white flour on the cookie.
I dusted mine with the white powdered sugar and that hid the white flour and added that finishing touch of sweetness to the cookie.

8. Remove the top piece of parchment paper.

9. If you don’t use the flour to dust the bottom piece of parchment paper, then fill a shallow, but wide, bowl with 1/8 cup water. Dip your cookie cutters in the water, and then cut out your gingerbread shapes. Then, gently peel away the edges of the parchment paper with your fingers, or use a toothpick for smaller areas. If the dough is not coming up easily, place it in the freezer for 5 minutes and try again.

10. Transfer to baking sheets lined with Silpat mats or parchment paper and refrigerate them until they are firm. That is about 10 to 15 minutes.

11. Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until crisp but not darkened.

12. Cool on wire racks, and decorate with icing or sprinkle them with powdered sugar.

copyright@nancyaddison2022

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients

1 egg

3/4 cup blackstrap molasses

1/2 cup brown sugar (date or palm sugar works well)

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. ginger, ground

1 tsp Ceylon cinnamon, ground

1/4 tsp cloves, ground

3 1/2 cups gluten-free flour – you can use all-purpose (I used sprouted oat or garbanzo bean flour)

1/2 tsp mineral-rich salt

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 T. pure water, warm

organic powdered sugar (optional to use to sprinkle on finished cookies)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the room-temperature butter and brown sugar until fluffy.

3. Mix in the spices, mineral-rich salt, and then the egg and molasses.

4. Add the sifted flour mixture on a low speed and be slow and steady.

5. Turn the mixer to medium-low and slowly dribble the water into the bowl.

5. Divide the dough into three parts. Wrap them in parchment paper and chill them for at least 1 hour.

6. Heat the oven to 350 degrees.

7. Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Keep it in the parchment paper and cut a new piece of parchment paper out. Press down with your hands to flatten the dough on the parchment paper a bit.
Place the new piece of parchment on top of the dough, so your dough is between the two large pieces of parchment paper, and then roll the dough to 1/4 inch thick with a rolling pin.
Note: I used a small amount of flour to dust the bottom piece of parchment paper, so the cookies don’t stick as badly, The drawback to this is that it can make your cookies have a white flour look on them that doesn’t come off. The white powdered sugar will hide this though, if you are using this as your decorative finish to the cookies.

8. Remove the top piece of parchment paper. 9. If you don’t use the flour to dust the bottom piece of parchment paper, then fill a shallow but wide bowl with 1/8 cup water. Dip your cookie cutters in the water, and then cut out your gingerbread shapes. Then, gently peel away the edges of the parchment paper with your fingers, or use a toothpick for smaller areas. If the dough is not coming up easily, place it in the freezer for 5 minutes and try again.

9. Transfer the cookies to a baking sheet lined with Silpat mats or parchment paper and refrigerate them until they are firm. That is about 10 to 15 minutes.

10. Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until firm.

11. Cool on wire racks, and decorate with icing or sprinkle them with powdered sugar.

Enjoy these healthy delicious gingerbread cookies!

copyright@nancyaddison2022

Nancy’s 7 books on Amazon are also in Audio and some of them are in large print:

 https://www.amazon.com/Nancy-Addison/e/B00E6K5KGY/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1

Nancy’s website is: http://www.organichealthylife.com

Support Nancy’s work – Donate on venmo – @Nancy-Addison

Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast, blog, article, video is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Nancy Addison CHC. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.

Do not use the information provided in this blog, audio podcast, article, video  for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this email.

Information provided in this video or audio and the use of any products or services related to this video by you DOES NOT create a health counselor-client relationship between you and Nancy Addison, certified health counselor. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The post Gingerbread Cookies – Two Recipes – Gluten & Gluten-free appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

Thoughtful gifts, fragrant flowers, and dinner dates are all great, and they mean a lot… but true LOVE is what really matters.

The best gift we can ever give someone is being truly present for them, which means listening with our hearts as well as our ears.
This means connecting with peaceful, deep, love-filled presence of compassion and understanding. When we are truly present, we are truly able to listen with our hearts.

So today (and every day), give the gift of being truly present for those you love, in addition to whatever else you have planned.

There is so much love to share, experience and celebrate!
In the spirit of Love,
I am sharing one of my favorite recipes with you.

The post Happy Love Day! Raspberry Muffin Recipe – Gluten-free appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

For non-toxic organic supplies for gardening, pest control, and animals –

Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast, blog, article, video is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Nancy Addison CHC. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.

Do not use the information provided in this blog, audio podcast, article, video  for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this email.

The post Creating A Functional Garden appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

As in the past, it is ALWAYS a good idea to be prepared and have plenty of supplies on hand. However, with all of the recent happenings in the world today, I highly recommend to you, now more than ever before, the importance of stocking up on all of the essential items you might need right now, instead of waiting until something happens and the shelves become bare.
At the current moment, even as I am writing this, there are problems with transporting food, getting parts, and there are full container ships in port with no workers to unload them. The freeze last year killed a third of the wheat crops, and many other crops have been devastated due to all of the other natural disasters.

Prices are starting to rise, although items are still currently available for the most part. But with all of these things and more happening on a daily basis, there could possibly be some shortages of foods and other items taking place.

There is no reason to panic, but I recommend that you make a list and try to stock up on the basic supplies that are necessary for your and your family’s lives. Then you will be calm and ready in case there is any shortage of food, water, medical supplies, or other necessary items.
Whether you are getting ready for a storm, a hurricane, or a shortage of provisions, it is always a good idea to keep some emergency supplies ready for yourself and your family.
Here are some ideas for what you might need.

The best foods are those that do not need to be eaten immediately and can be stored for a while. Foods that you can put in a bin and store are dried pasta, chips, crackers, sauces, jars or cans of food, (make sure you have a can opener), cans or jars of vegetables, beans, lentils, fish, or meats, boxes of alternative kinds of milk, powdered milk, cereals, protein powders, green food powders, superfoods, teas, mineral-rich salt, spices, nut butter, food bars, flours, packs of organic seeds (that you can sprout or grow), coconut oil, avocado oil, raw apple cider vinegar, miso, raw organic honey, supplements for health (like vitamin C). baking soda, baking powder, baby foods, and food for pets.

Clean some glass bottles and fill them with water and label them. Keep them together, where you can easily access them if you need them. You can use wine boxes that have dividers in them, and stack them in your garage or utility room. These will come in handy for basic water needs.
Buy some extra bottles of mineral-rich water and coconut water. These do not go bad, and it is always a good idea to have extra water on hand. (You might also consider getting a water filter to use without electricity, along with extra water filters.)

I would purchase extra body care provisions, including bandages, salves, medical supplements, magnesium chloride bath flakes, oil, or lotions, soaps, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, borax, personal care products, eye care extras, dental care items, baby care items, elder care items, and toilet paper.
Purchase anything you use on a regular basis: cleaning supplies, pet supplies, baby care supplies, and garden supplies.

I would also recommend getting extra candles, batteries, matches, flashlights, solar chargers, a towel, maybe a deck of cards or a game that doesn’t require technology, a book, your bible or book for your faith, paper, pen, and emergency numbers for people you might need to call. Write them down in a book.

Another good item would be Walkie-Talkies for your family and neighbors to use, a portable, non-electric outdoor cooker and supplies, extra blankets or winter clothing, a tarp, some tools, and duct tape.

I recommend that you put your important papers, cash, and other important items in a safe place that is easy to get and take with you if you need to leave in a hurry.

Other supplies you might think about purchasing are electronics, computers and supplies, and car supplies (oil, tires, battery, gas can fill with gas), extra ink for your printer, extra paper, or backup drive.

You might also consider buying presents for future occasions. That could make life much less stressful if you can purchase them now.

It is always smart to think ahead and you will be prepared for anything.
I hope this helps you.

Here is a list of websites on being prepared that my friend sent to me, and I am sharing them with you.

1) Food Prepping for Shortages: What You Should Stockpile Now.
https://totesnewsworthy.com › food-prepping-for-shortages-what-to-stockpile
2) How to Prepare for Food Shortages – the Imperfectly Happy home. https://www.imperfectlyhappy.com › how-to-prepare-for-food-shortages
3) Food Shortages in 2021 and 2022: Practical Tips for Being …
https://www.healingharvesthomestead.com › home › 2021 › 8 › 27 › food-shortages-in-2021-and-2022-tips-for-being-prepared-with-food-security
4) 10 Realistic Ways to Overcome Food Crisis
https://rurallivingtoday.com › prepping › overcome-food-crisis

copyright@nancyaddison2021

Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast, blog, article, video is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Nancy Addison CHC. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.

Do not use the information provided in this blog, audio podcast, article, video  for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this email.

Information provided in this video or audio and the use of any products or services related to this video by you DOES NOT create a health counselor-client relationship between you and Nancy Addison, certified health counselor. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The post Plan Ahead And Be Prepared appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

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One of my favorite things to do at this time is

to make my house smell Christmas-y!!

 

Simply but a pot of water on the stove

and throw in a couple of

whole cinnamon sticks,

1/4 cup of whole cloves,

a couple of bay leaves

and an orange slice

and  bring to a boil.

Turn down the heat and simmer for a few minutes,

and your house will smell just like the holiday season.

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Leslie Reichert, the clean, green, cleaning expert talks with radio show host Nancy Addison about some of the easy, inexpensive ways to clean your home and laundry without the expensive toxic ingredients used in most commercial cleaners. Nancy and Leslie expand on why they work better, why it matters to use nontoxic cleaners and how it can make your life so much better!

For more info on cleaning go to: contact nancy at www.organichealthylifestyle.com

The post Leslie Reichert, The Clean, Green, Cleaning Expert Talks With Radio Show Host Nancy Addison appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

Health Expert and Radio Show Host – Nancy Addison Talks with Leeann Lavin, an award-winning garden designer (from New York City), author, writer,  and extraordinary chef. Leeann shares her incite into creating edible gardens, delicious meals and a healthier lifestyle. Leeann is a certified landscape designer of the New York Botanical Garden and is the Garden Specialist of Duchess Designs, LLC. She is also the author of the successful biography and cookbook, “The Hamptons and Long Island Homegrown Cookbook.” Nancy and Leeann recommendd using organic farming and gardening methods.

The post Creating Edible Gardens, Delicious Meals, And A Healthier Lifestyle With Leeann Lavin appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.