Friday, May 11, 2012

Follow Me on Blog Lovin!

You can now follow me on Blog Lovin!  This is a site that keeps track of all the blogs you most commonly read and puts them all on one page.  You’ll be notified every time a new post is published to the blog!  Very cool! 

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Naturally Get Rid of Allergies Once and for All!


Most people who suffer with allergy and sinus problems feel they must resort to using medications that have unpleasant or even dangerous side effects.  For those who may be interested in safe, more natural alternatives, some of the following premium products by Shaklee may be of interest. 
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To strengthen the immune system, start here:


Optiflora Probiotic Capsule

Scientists now believe that 70% of our immune system is located in our gut….a good place to start to strengthen our immune system against allergic reactions.  There appears to be a surprising correlation between symptoms of upper respiratory congestion and sinus discomfort to poor elimination in the lower intestines.  This is often associated with an overgrowth of the Candida yeast organisms.  An increasing number of Americans suffer from Candida when the essential friendly microbes nature intended to reside in our intestines get destroyed by medications such as antibiotics, steroid-based drugs (e.g. asthma medications), oral contraceptives, and more.  Couple this with a culture so entrenched with sweets, breads, baked goods, chips, and snacks that are the favorite foods of the Candida organisms. 

The Optiflora Probiotic Capsule is a patented technology that allows the very fragile probiotics to pass through the highly acidic stomach protected by a triple encapsulation so they arrive exactly in the right location: the lower intestines. 


Nutriferon

Developed and extensively tested by immunologists in Japan, this proprietary blend of natural plant is derived from pumpkin seeds, safflower flowers, plantago seeds, and Japanese honeysuckle flower buds.  Nutriferon supports and stimulates the immune system by increasing the activity of macrophages (white blood cells) and inducing natural interferon production.  It optimizes the body’s immune response against environmental irritants and airborne substances (as with allergies and asthma).  It is complete safe – no adverse reactions to these plant extracts have been recorded. 


Sustained Release Vita-C

For continuous antioxidant protection against environmental assaults, this unique all-natural sustained formula slowly releases Vitamin C into your blood stream over a 5-hour period and provides nutrients from the entire Vitamin C complex, including bioflavonoids.  It is very economical.  It has been found to protect against smog, chronic infection, allergies, asthma, colds, flu, swollen glands, anemia, stroke, poor diet, stress, bruising, varicose and spider veins, colon polyps, and slow healing. 


Vita-Lea Multivitamin/Multimineral Tablet

Supported by seven clinical studies, Vita-Lea has a patented bio-activated absorption system.  Over 340 quality control tests are done on every batch, so you know you’re getting exceptional quality!  Each serving contains 23 essential vitamins and critical minerals, including 800 IU of Vitamin D3.  It’s also Kosher and Gluten-Free.

Also helpful to relieve symptoms:


Alfalfa

With deep roots extending 10 to 20 feet below the soil, this plant is rich in trace minerals and protein, and also contains 8 digestive enzymes.  Recognized as a natural anti-histamine, allergy suffers report good results from taking 3 or 4 of the little compressed sun-dried leaf tablets.  It contains no pesticides, fungicides, growth regulators, or synthetic hormones.  Other popular uses for alfalfa are swelling, painful and stiff joints, ulcers, stomach ailments, hiatal hernia, water retention, gout, body odor, and bad breath. 


Premium Garlic Complex

Retains all the potency of a clove of fresh raw garlic without the odor.  Garlic is traditionally used for its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties.  People often take it to relieve symptoms of allergies, asthma, colds, flu, sinus infections, yeast infections, diarrhea, and flatulence.  It also has heart protective properties of lowering elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels. 

Diet

Emphasize fresh vegetables and avoid sugar, breads, and baked goods.


Reduce exposure to toxins:

In addressing allergy and sinus problems, a two-fold approach is usually recommended:

1)     Strengthen the immune system (as discussed above), and

2)     Avoid products that could aggravate allergy and sinus problems, such as certain cleaning products.  Many cleaning products not only irritate the skin, but their odors can irritate the upper respiratory problems. 


Shaklee Get Clean Starter Kit

Step one in reducing toxins in and around our living space is to remove all toxic cleaning products from the home and replace them with the non-toxic, earth-friendly Get Clean product line.  Oprah Winfrey named these remarkable, effective, and yet inexpensive cleaners among her “favorite things.”  They can be purchased for the kitchen, bathroom, and the laundry….all for $99.  The Get Clean Starter Kit is the equivalent to $3,400 in store-bought cleaners!  Each product is ultra-concentrated and saves you money.  Kosher certified.


Basic-G Highly Concentrated Germicide

Disinfectant made without cresol.  Cresol is easily absorbed through the skin and causes digestive disturbances, nervous disorders, mental changes, skin eruptions, and jaundice.  Basic-G kills parvovirus, feline leukemia, distemper virus, and the AIDS virus on surfaces.  Note: for allergy and sinus relief in the winter when it’s dry, remember to use a humidifier with a few drops of Basic-G to inhibit bacterial growth. 


Enfuselle – Nutrition Therapy for your Skin

Combine advanced technology with herbal and botanical extracts and antioxidants and you get a skin care line for even the most sensitive skin.  It’s hypoallergenic, pH balanced, with no artificial colorants or heavy mineral oils, and noncomedogenic (won’t clog pores).  Plus, it contains a comprehensive, highly derma-available complex designed to actually break each link in the chain of free radical damage.  Enfuselle literally reverse the accelerated aging of the skin caused by computer screens, fluorescent lights, and the sun.  Available in either Normal to Dry or Normal to Oily skin types

Other helpful products:



Defend and Resist Complex

Contains Echinacea which activates the immune system, promotes production of white blood cells, and enhances resistance to infection (both bacterial and viral).  It is also anti-inflammatory, promotes wound healing, reduces mucous, relieves boils, gangrene, ulcerations, bites, abscesses, and fights Candida yeast.  It contains larchtree extract and elderberry to surround viruses and help prevent their reproduction.  It is best taken at the onset of a virus.  It can also be used as a zinc lozenge or made into tea.  It is very soothing to sore throats. 

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Because the brain is the most sensitive organ in the body, many experts recommend eliminating foods and environmental irritants that could create brain allergies.  (Source: Doris Rapp, M.D. “Is This Your Child’s World?”) Using Shaklee cleaning and personal care products may be helpful as they are based on the philosophy of “Living in Harmony with Nature.”

Information courtesy of Lagoni Health Associates

~Nikki

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Quick & Easy Guacamole

Today, I’m going to share with you a recipe for guacamole I’ve been toying with.  I never used to be a guacamole fan until I visited a local Mexican restaurant called Besito in West Hartford, CT.  My husband has always been a fan of guacamole from living in San Diego, CA while serving in the Navy.  His love for this Mexican side dish has now been passed onto me!  While I notice many people use white or yellow onions in their recipes, I love the sweetness of red onions and I think it makes the recipe pop!  This is a very versatile recipe.  This recipe is a canvas for your tastes.  Make it your own!  I’ve seen people add roasted corn, black beans, or hefty doses of Tabasco.  In short, be creative, and enjoy whatever you make this out to be!

What you need:
2 avocados
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, minced (you can take out the seeds for less heat)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 ripe tomato, chopped or fresh salsa (found in most produce depts.)
2 – 3 heaping tablespoons of cilantro, finely chopped
1 lime, juiced
Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:
Peel and mash avocados in a medium bowl.  Stir in the onion, jalapeno, garlic, tomato/salsa, cilantro, lime juice, and salt and pepper. 
Add more lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste if necessary. 
Chill for 1 hour. 
~Nikki

Friday, May 4, 2012

Our Top Ten Favorite Educational Apps for Kids

If there is one thing you’ll begin to know about me is that I like things that are fun, easy, educational, and cheap!  Not necessarily in that order, but you get the drift. 
With all of the technology and apps out there for kids I don’t feel as though I need to pay $3.99+ for a children’s app particularly when there are tons and tons of free or close to free apps out there. 
Now, my son Ethan, and I’ll go ahead and assume most kids, love to play Angry Birds (Just admit it!), but Ethan is also really attracted to a number of fun learning educational apps as well. 

Here, we list our favorites!


1)     Stack the Countries – Ethan uses this app in school.  If the children are behaving they are rewarded with a few minutes playing the I Pad.  Kids learn capitals of different countries, landmarks, and geography. 


2)     ABC Pocket Phonics – Very simple app.  Teaches children letter sounds and writing.  One of my favorites!


3)     Math Bingo – The object of this game is to correctly answer math problems bingo style!  You can choose from Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division. 


4)     K-3 Sight Words – Flashcard style sight words ranging from Pre-K through Third grade.  Ethan got a ton of practice using this app.  I noticed an increase in his knowledge of his sight words with just a few tries.  A+ in my book. 

5)     Coloring – This fun app has a ton of pictures that you can color and the best part is they can be saved for sharing or wallpaper. 


6)     Stack the States – This is another game that Ethan uses in school.  This one happens to be Ethan’s favorite.  Same concept as Stack the Countries, except the kids learn about state capitals, shapes, and geography in the U.S. 


7)     Rocket Math – A total winner in my eyes!  Kids go on space missions while solving math problems.  I’ve even been caught a time or two playing this one!


8)     I Like Books – This app has 37 different pictures books that are great for children just learning how to read.  The app can read to you and highlight the individual words while reading so that kids can follow along!


9)     Sky View – This app uses your phone’s camera.  Point it towards the sky and the app highlights different stars and planets.  It reminds me of a virtual telescope!


10) I Write Words – Your children will learn handwriting while playing a fun number game.  This kept Ethan occupied for quite a while.

All of these games were free or no more than $1.99.  I like to use them as rewards when Ethan is behaving or when we are out and about and I need to keep Ethan occupied.  Have fun!

** Stay tuned tomorrow for my family’s guacamole recipe in celebration of Cinco de Mayo!
 ~Nikki

Thursday, May 3, 2012

May 100 Book Reading Challenge

I don’t know about you, but one of my favorite times of the day is cuddling up with my five-year old son and reading a good book!  With the amount of attention I spend with my newborn daughter lately, it’s a great time for my son and I to just spend time together. 
We’ve decided to put a fun spin on our reading this month.  We are planning on reading 100 books!  We are hoping to find some new books we haven’t read so please join my Facebook community and tell us what you like to read with your kids!  Lots and lots of suggestions are welcome!
Our favorite book so far has been We All Went on Safari– A Counting Journey through Tanzania by Laurie Krebs and Julia Cairns.  This book teaches kids to count in Swahili while discovering African animals on a safari though the grasslands of Tanzania.  Facts about Tanzania, Swahili counting, and a map are included at the end of the book.  The neat thing about this book was that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book went to the African Wildlife Foundation, to aid in their wildlife conservation and community building efforts in Tanzania.   

Stay tuned for our progress to 100 books and our favorites as we go!
~Nikki

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

My Top Five Favorite Shaklee Products

In celebration of the extension of our free membership deal, I thought it would be helpful to highlight my top 5 favorite Shaklee products.  My family and I use these products on a daily basis and we have all seen our health improve!  Of course, there are so many other products that we offer and if you would like to take a peek and place an order you can shop right here!  Remember, the free membership entitles you to 15% off your order, a 100% money back guarantee, and exclusive access to our private Facebook community where we share great tips for getting healthy!


The GetClean Kit was what got me initially hooked on Shaklee.  I have completely replaced all of my household cleaners with products in the Get Clean line.  The Basic H alone replaces your all-purpose cleaner, your window cleaner, and your degreasers.  It is super concentrated and lasts forever!  Best of all, it’s non-toxic and safe for your children and the planet!


Vitalizer is the most advanced multi-nutrient supplement pack on the market today and it features a patent-pending delivery system designed to enhance absorption of key nutrients. Vitalizer is more than just a single multivitamin—it has 80 bio-optimized nutrients clinically proven to create a foundation for a longer, healthier life, and it's the only comprehensive multi-nutrient supplement pack you need. With the multiple varieties of Vitalizer, you are sure to find one to meet your needs. 



Cinch Shake Mix provides a yummy and complete breakfast or lunch.  All you need to do is add two scoops or 1 packet to 1 cup of nonfat milk, light soy milk, or almond milk and you're ready to go!  It's powered by leucine to help preserve muscle while you lose weight. With 24 grams of protein per serving, it controls hunger and helps you feel satisfied. The Cinch Shake mixes are available in café latte, strawberry, vanilla and chocolate.  My favorite is the café latte.  I like to add a little French vanilla coffee creamer to it.  Yum!
Also....

Enjoy the Cinch Energy Tea and benefit from an uplifting boost. As if the exotic white, red and Matcha green teas aren't extraordinary enough, we added the juicy flavor of pomegranate. Don't be surprised to find yourself with the natural energy to squeeze more out of every day.



The Nutrition Therapy Skin Care System is a great system, for both women and men. The system is formulated with Shaklee’s exclusive Vital Repair + to block all those skin-damaging free radical reactions and encourages you to have healthy cells so you see smooth, luminous skin.  Clinical studies have confirmed a remarkable 665% increase in skin firmness in just a short 28 days!  You'll also see your skin age 10+ years in reverse - guaranteed.



Shaklee Kids Incredivites is the first children's chewable multivitamin in the U.S. with lactoferrin, which helps kids' immune systems stay supercharged. Packed with 23 essential nutrients, it's the world's best kids' supplement-with 600 IU of vitamin D to support strong bones and teeth, and 100% of the Daily Value of all eight B vitamins and vitamin C. Just two a day and off they play. Now that's incredible!

Also….

Supertasty and supersafe, Shaklee Kids Mighty Smart is scientifically formulated with a power-packed blast of 100% natural, ultra-pure DHA. DHA is the most abundant omega 3 fatty acid in the brain and eyes and each great-tasting chew provides 100 mg. 

***Don’t forget!  Sign up for the Mommy & the Monsters free newsletter by May 15th and you’ll be entered to win one of 3 samples of Shaklee’s Basic H!  Also, join my Facebook community for even more tips and fun news! ***

~Nikki

This Week’s News

Good morning everyone!  I can’t believe its Wednesday already.  This week has been flying by so far.  In between the endless piles of laundry and helping my kids I thought I would let you know about some things that are coming up. 

First, the free lifetime Shaklee membership has been extended through May 31st!  This is HUGE!  If you haven’t taken advantage of this awesome offer….DO IT!  Any product purchased will qualify you for this membership.  You’ll get 15% off for life and a 100% money back guarantee.  I’ll be highlighting my top 5 favorite Shaklee items either later today or first thing tomorrow morning. 


Second, this month’s product webinar will be highlighting Shaklee’s skin care line, Enfuselle.  Register early now so we can show you how to get healthy, glowing, younger looking skin! 
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/182894238


Third, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to be entered to win one of 3 samples of Shaklee’s Basic H!

And last but not least, stay tuned this Friday for my family’s guacamole recipe in celebration of Cinco de Mayo! 

Have a great Wednesday!  Make it a good one!
~Nikki