Ginger Ale is Magic

By Claire

The last couple days have been draining. I came down with something, I'm not sure what. It started on Sunday night. I realized my throat felt a bit sore. I shrugged it off and went to sleep, but it felt worse in the morning. Monday I went to work, and by the end of the day I felt crummy. My wonderful boyfriend took me to church that night and was fine with leaving early and getting me chicken noodle soup (for some reason I was craving it even though I am not a fan of it) and sprite. The next day, I felt marginally better. I went to work again, and then since I was feeling better I went to family dinner with my boyfriend. We made dinner but left early so I could go to bed early. The next day it was worse. I went to work and then spent the evening watching Netflix rather than writing. Thursday, my boyfriend brought me ginger ale, crackers, and more chicken noodle soup before he went to work. I think I went to bed early, but I don't really remember. What I do remember is that I didn't start feeling better until this morning, and I don't think I would have made it without three things:

1. My boyfriend who was so sweet to me and got me anything I wanted/needed
2. Saltine crackers
3. Ginger Ale

Seriously, if you are ever nauseous Ginger Ale and Saltines are the way to go. I hope y'all have been feeling better than I have lately.

I love y'all! Have a wonderful Saturday!

Claire

It's Okay To Make Mistakes

By Claire

Living holistically is all about realizing that everything is connected. So, here is something important I've learned in my life: it's okay to make mistakes! We're all children of God sent here to make mistakes and learn from them. If we couldn't make mistakes we all would have been destined for Hell a long time ago, right?

So, here's my thought on this subject: make mistakes, live your life. But don't allow yourself to dwell on your mistakes. Live and learn.

There's one song I remember very well from when I was a kid. My dad would play it all the time. It went something like "no more excuses, excuses are useless". This has been a mantra for my life all my days. Basically what I get out of it is this: Don't waste time making excuses for what you did. Take responsibility for your actions but don't dwell on them. Learn from them.

I hope that you will go out and live life the way it was meant to be lived, without regret.

Claire

If you would like to learn more about living without regret, check out this blog: http://tinybuddha.com/blog/40-ways-to-live-life-without-regrets/

Communication is Key

By Claire

Today, I'm going to write about something close to my heart at this moment in time: communication. It's one of those things everyone talks about being important in a relationship but never really explains how to go about doing it. Well, a year ago I had just finished taking a class on marriage prep. In that class, we discussed communication, especially "active listening".

Basically what "active listening" is, is not only acknowledging that you are listening by nodding or saying "uh huh" but also making sure they understand that you understand what they are saying. So, this means re-stating what they are saying in your own words. This can be very effective in communicating with your partner, parents, siblings, children, friends, etc. It shows that not only do you care enough to listen, but you are willing to prove you are listening.

So, what I guess I'm trying to say is that holistic living doesn't just apply to everything else we've discussed thus far. It also covers our relationships and our overall lifestyle. Communication is always key. Learn it, practice it, use it.

Love,

Claire

Monday Morning Positivity

By Claire

I am trying something new and different with this blog. I'm going to journal every day for a month or two as a writing exercise. This should hopefully help me to always be thinking of something I can write about, help me to think outside the box, because who needs the box anyway, right?

Today I'm going to talk about having a positive outlook on life.

Now, anyone who knows me knows that I'm a generally positive person. I like to look on the good side of things. I don't generally like thinking negatively, and if I have a negative thought I like to turn it around. But sometimes, it's really hard to do this. And, to be honest, I didn't always have a positive outlook on life. I used to be a negative person, a glass half empty type of person.

So, you're probably wondering: How did you change your mindset so drastically, Claire?

I'm glad you asked! I just realized one day that by thinking negatively I attracted negativity to me! Basically, I was perpetuating the cycle, allowing it to continue. One day I decided I'd had enough, I started to think about all the things I had to be grateful about:

1. I have a roof to shelter me.
2. I have a bed to sleep in.
3. I have food in the cabinets and in the fridge (so even if it seems like I have nothing to eat, I really do, I just need to think outside the box!)
4. I have family and friends who love and care about me.
5. I have a boyfriend who cares about me and wants me to feel better when I'm not feeling very well.

So really, what do I have to complain about?

I challenge each and every one of you to spend a week writing down everything you have to be grateful for every day. Look at that list when you are feeling blue or just feeling like crap and remind yourself that you have SO MUCH! Seriously, love yourself and love your life. There will always be bad, but you don't have to give it power over your emotions and your life.

Love,

Claire

Taking a moment to meditate on how amazing my life is atop a pyramid!

Claire 9/14/16 "I Guess this is Goodbye"

By Claire

I guess this is goodbye.

A couple years ago when I came up with this idea, I never thought I'd actually make it happen. But then a year ago, I finally talked Katie into doing it with me and it was fantastic, we had a ton of ideas and the time to do it. (Or at least, we made time). But now life has gotten away with us. She is busy with work and with her writing, and of course her husband. I just got back from Mexico and found a job working part-time as a nanny here in Salt Lake City and am also focusing on my writing and editing. Unfortunately, writing this blog just doesn't seem to be in the cards for us, at this moment (and maybe never, I guess only time will tell).

I want you all to know that I will continue posting anything holistic or healthy living related here on this blog, it just won't be regular like before.

Also, I will be posting regularly on my personal blog. Definitely check that out.

You can also keep track of Katie on her twitter and on her Facebook.

I hope you all find life as amazing as I am right now!

Love always,

Claire

Katie 6/24/16 “Garden Update”

Hey guys,

Sorry we've been MIA for... a few weeks. WE ARE ALIVE!

Since Claire is in Mexico, I've been a big slacker. Hold the rotten tomatoes, please.

To appease the masses, here is a visual update of my garden! It's doing pretty well, considering I'm battling a million earwigs and I didn't have any good ground this time last year.

Lettuce going to seed and tomatoes

Kale, peas, potatoes, young tomatoes and peppers

Look at that dead grass!

Monstrous potatoes

Can't wait till it all gets BIG

Onion, garlic, carrot, beet, rutabaga

Onion--he's getting bigger!

Squash blossoms, so cute!

Some pretty mint, makes good sun tea

Anyone want some free tomatoes or tomatillos? I have a ton!!!

Live well,

Katie

Katie 5/20/16 “No More ‘Pooing”

By Katie

I picked up my conditioner bottle today and was pleased to feel how empty it was. Right on time, my shampoo and soap are also running out. Why am I pleased by this, you wonder? Because I can dive in to the no ‘poo!

“Katie, that’s super gross!” you are probably saying. I’m not talking bathroom humor, though! Wait, I totally am. I’m excited to implement the practice of not using chemical based products in the shower anymore. This method is commonly called “No ‘Poo”, which is just short for shampoo. See? I wasn’t being gross!

I’ve read a few different articles about people who starting washing their hair with baking soda and conditioning it with apple cider vinegar. They’ve seen some great results, like softer, healthier hair, having less oily skin, and not washing their hair everyday. When harsh chemicals aren’t stripping our oils out, we can go a lot longer without scrubbing our scalps. It’s cheaper than hair products and healthier for our skin and hormones.

Another great benefit is how easy it is. Rinse out your shampoo and conditioner bottles and fill them with a baking soda and water solution in one and diluted ACV in the other. Bam! Healthy products in a minute!

I also made my own toothpaste with coconut oil, baking soda, and OnGuard essential oil. It is gentle and leaves me with cleaner teeth than I get with toothpaste. I’m really looking forward to eliminating more chemicals from my life.

If you don’t know anything about the harm caused by most hygiene products, I suggest you take a day and read the copious amounts of articles about shampoo ingredients, fluoride, aluminum and deodorant, and other products that are harmful to our bodies. I couldn’t even begin to compile a list for you. Remember, skin is your largest organ and absorbs anything you put on it. Treat your body right, and it will treat you right.

Wish me luck with my ‘pooing, and good luck to you on your personal journey to perfect health and happiness. I’ll let you know how mine goes!

Live well,

Katie