4 Healthy + Natural Travel Essentials

type="html">Because I live where the ground is frozen solid for over half the year, I always feel the need to cram as much fun as possible into the season. We're on the go a lot more and so I sometimes find myself making health and/or "green" compromises for the sake of saving time or making life easier while travelling.

Finding products + tools that make it easy to stay on track in those situations is helpful for me, and I've stumbled upon some gems on my quest for a simple, healthy, natural lifestyle - no matter what the season! Allow me to share!

Simple Snacks

It's all too easy to go for fast food while travelling but it makes me feel awful, especially if I'm forced to sit still in a car for hours afterward! It puts me right to sleep. I like to satisfy my hunger and feed the kiddos healthier snacks - like trail mix! Obviously it's really easy to switch this up to suit your tastes, but I am a big fan of simply mixing dried cranberries, almonds, and popcorn. YUM.

Family-Friendly Products

Rather than packing a ton of different stuff for each member of the family I like to find ways to bring things we can all use. For example, skin solution is an all-in-one moisturizer, makeup remover, diaper-rash-healer, razor burn banisher, and "natural Neosporin" for wound care in ONE bottle!

I also only pack whatever bar of soap tickles my fancy at the time (I have collected a LOT of bars of natural soap over the last couple of years..) since it can be used by everyone and is perfectly fine to use as shampoo as well!

Probiotics

Probiotics are always a good idea, but especially if you are travelling far from home. Unfamiliar food can cause interesting digestive situations which is the last thing you want to be dealing with when you're trying to enjoy a trip!

In fact, even if you're not travelling too far, I think most of us tend to eat different kinds of food than at home - and probably way more processed and less nutritious in general. Keeping your "gut-health" in check with probiotics isn't just good for your digestion, it's also a really big key player in how your immune system performs, which is another concern while travelling.

Essential Oils

It's easy to go overboard here and pack a billion little bottles, but I try to keep it to 2 or 3 depending on the trip. Where we'll stay, how far from home we're headed, and what we'll be doing factors in, but I generally stick with the basics:

• Lavender oil - calming, which can be helpful if you're travelling across time zones and need to adjust your sleep schedule, as well as for little ones who are forced to sit longer than they normally would in a car or plane!
• Tea tree oil - your antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial best friend, especially if you're staying in a hotel room! It's also energizing and uplifting and is fantastic for clearing up acne (which always seems to flare up for me when I travel.)

Travelling lightweight is sometimes tricky to do - especially with kids - but I always feel so much more "free" and able to enjoy myself when there is less shlepping to do. :)

Are you headed off on exciting travels this summer? What are your favorite travel essentials?

Spreading the Word

I've sent our info to local churches, school counselors, and pregnancy centers.  I did the same in larger towns not too far from us.  A principal, school counselor and pastor have already replied.

I sent our application to the adoption agency last week and haven't heard back yet.  I'll follow up today to make sure she received it.  I also will get started on the questionnaire today as well.

I hope all of you had a wonderful Mother's Day!!  Hopefully, next year I'll celebrate the holiday with a little one :)

Made in USA Giveaway - from ibody science + Dr. Doormat

type="html">

I'm so excited to be participating in the 2nd Annual Made in the USA Giveaway Hop, hosted by Happy Mothering and The Pistachio Project together with the Green Moms Network! We are excited to bring you awesome prizes that are Made in the USA and valued at $25+ to help you celebrate Independence Day!. After entering my giveaway, be sure to visit the other blogs listed under the Rafflecopter form for your chance to win more great giveaways.

This year, two sponsors that you will recognize as friends of Everblossom are offering their products once again!

Below, you can enter to win skin solution from ibody science, one of my favorite personal care products for the whole family. Check out my skin solution review on Pretty Green Skincare!

You can also enter to win a Dr. Doormat for your home - the doormat that SERIOUSLY keeps your home cleaner and allows fewer toxins inside. You might remember the Spring into Sustainability hop, where I shared a review of Dr. Doormat!

 Or... better yet: enter to win both! :) Good luck and Happy Independence Day!!   a Rafflecopter giveawaya Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting

As we're waiting to hear from our agency, waiting for that call, we're trudging forward getting the house ready for a baby.  We will be moving Farmie's "closet" which is actually a spare bedroom one room over to make room for the nursery so that it will be closest to our bedroom.  I already ordered a crib and dresser.  Once we get a call I will move forward with ordering everything else, but since it could be 6 months from now I feel it's a little early to get everything.  But maybe that's also from our experience with IVF and really wondering if the day will ever come when we will have a son or daughter.  The IVF experience has left me questioning that because it feels like we've been waiting forever already.  It bothers me that I'm hesitant to just order everything, but I am and I just have to accept that it's probably from the disappointments we have already faced.

A few months ago I took on a new partnership at work and I just took on another.  Both know our plans to adopt.  They are very supportive of our choice to adopt and the fact that I will kind of be taking it day by day to see what will be feasible once we have a baby.  I'm very blessed to have the opportunities I've been given this year and I hope to be able to maintain them working from home.  Today I'm working on organizing a system to help me keep track of everything.  I'm trying to create a system that will be as low maintenance as possible.  The partnerships know that if I start struggling to maintain everything I will bow out, but they need my help in the meantime and are ok seeing how things go.

Farmie is out of town for work and I'm going to make it my goal to have our adoption portfolio completed by the time he gets back on Wednesday.  Building the portfolio is a lot harder than I expected, but I think I've gathered enough photos from over the years to get it done.

We haven't heard anything from the agency since submitted our application.  Getting the portfolio done will give me a good reason to touch base again and get an update.

Sorry I haven't been very chatty and commenting like I normally do on everyone's blogs.  I feel like I've moved from foster care, to IVF, and now to adoption and it's a very different place emotionally.  It's another transition and I'm feeling pretty alone in this part of journey.  Similar to how I felt in the beginning when we were struggling with finding out about Farmie's infertility issues.  But I know that I'll deal with this as well and find some stable ground.  It's just an adjustment!

Simply Natural Saturdays Link Up

type="html">

 Grab the Badge

Simply Natural Saturdays Hosts

Brittany at The Pistachio Project

Brittney at Brittleby's Corner
Kassie at Going Green with the Grizls

Leah at Crunchy Farm Baby
Kylie at Everblossom

Featured Post



Check out the rules in the top image and link up your natural posts!

Breastfeeding

I've had numerous people that know we are adopting ask me if I will try to breastfeed.  I thought about this briefly when I was researching breastmilk banks.  I do feel that breastmilk is best for a baby, but the banks are a little concerning with the lack of screening.  They do health screens, but nothing for substance abuse.

I talked to a midwife that I've known for years and she says that it is possible to development breastmilk by pumping and drinking teas that she creates.  She said that it's hard to predict how your body will respond.  Some produce milk quickly and others never produce enough for a baby to solely rely on breastmilk.  Other ways to ensure that you create breastmilk is by talking my old friends progesterone and estrogen in combination with pumping.  The midwife did not suggest this.  She's always against anything artificial.  I have my issues with the hormones as well and feel like part of moving forward with adoption is putting the hormones behind me.  If it were up to me I would never take any medication ever again.  I even stopped the birth control that I hoped would bring my cycle back to normal.  I started feeling physical and emotional effects from it so I just stopped.

I am considering pumping, but I'm hesitant to do that because we don't know when we will get a baby. If I started pumping it could be as long as 6 months before I had a baby to feed.  I don't really know what to do really.  I'm very torn on the subject.  I feel guilt over it since I'm not that enthusiastic about trying to create breastmilk...

We could also try to find someone locally that could provide medical records and someone I would feel comfortable with to donate or sell breastmilk to us.

I'm not sure what to do.  What would you do if you were in my shoes?

Spirulina: Algae with a Superfood Status

type="html">

Please welcome Adrienne as she shares some info on Spirulina in this guest post. Do you take Spirulina?

You may be wondering about spirulina, an ingredient that is becoming common in green foods and beverages, energy bars, and supplements.

But what exactly is spirulina and why is it getting so much attention? Before you decide to try a spirulina product, investigate what it’s all about first.

The Composition of Spirulina

Spirulina is similar to sea vegetables like kelp. It is a member of the blue-green algae family, it really isn’t an alga. It is a type of cyanobacteria. This species is categorized as bacteria because its genetic material is not organized in a membrane-bound nucleus. Cyanobacteria also contain chlorophyll and use the sun as an energy source, similar to plants and algae.

Unlike most plants, spirulina does not need much supervision. In fact, it is referred to as a “survivor” because it is able to withstand extreme conditions like high temperatures and neglect.

Spirulina is often confused with another type of fresh-water algae called chlorella. The difference between the two is that spirulina does not possess the hard cell wall chlorella possesses.

Traditional Uses

According to the historical records of Spanish conquistadors, the Kanembu people from Central Africa harvested spirulina from Lake Chad during the 9th century. During the 16th century, the Aztecs harvested the freshwater algae from Lake Texcoco in Mexico and used it as a dried flat cake ingredient. The cake called “dihe” was sold to the public as staple food.

While wild spirulina continues to thrive in the alkaline lakes of Mexico and Africa, it is presently commercially-grown around the world. Its commercial production began during the 1970s led by a French company. Soon, America and Japan followed suit. At the moment, Japan is the largest producer and consumer of spirulina.

What Makes Spirulina a Superfood?

Spirulina’s nutritional profile is one reason why it is revered as a superfood. Superfoods are a special category of foods found in nature that have high nutrient and antioxidant content.

Spirulina is one of the best protein sources – even better than red meat, which is only 27 percent protein. It can be as much as 60 percent protein and contains 18 essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Its proteins are highly digestible because spirulina does not contain cellulose walls.

Spirulina is also low in carbohydrates – only 15 to 20 percent. In addition to this, spirulina possesses the following nutrients:

• B-vitamins, including B12
• Vitamin K and other vitamins
• Gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), or a type of fatty acid that is a precursor to biochemical, such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and thromboxanes
• Metallo-thionine compounds
• Iodine
• Essential fatty acids, such as sulfolipids
• Calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, manganese, potassium, and zinc
• Phytopigments, such as phycocyanin, chlorophyll, and carotenoids

Taking a Spirulina Supplement

Although spirulina offers loads of nutrients, it is often grown in an uncontrolled environment and is prone to heavy metal and toxin contamination. It is best to pick a food product or a supplement that contains organic spirulina cultivated by a reputable source.

Spirulina supplements are sold in capsules, tablets, powders, and flakes. Although the recommended dosage is between three and five grams, it is best to take the supplement gradually, as there are documented reactions including elevation of body temperature, darker-colored stool, gas buildup, restlessness, and skin problems.

When you take a spirulina supplement, increase your water intake and increase your dose gradually. Avoid spirulina if you have food allergies. If you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition, it’s best to consult a physician prior to taking a spirulina product.

About the Author

Adrienne Nicole is a health blogger. She researches foods that are gaining a “super food status,” such as organic spirulina. She is a follower of Dr. Mercola, and is subscribed to his daily newsletter.