Sews2Reap

Here is the history -  (if you want to skip this scroll down to the next bolded section) I don't post a lot about my son's medical condition. He was diagnosed with Parry Romberg Syndrome at 5 years old. I knew something was wrong starting at 2 1/2. It took over two years and lots of doctors to get a diagnosis and start treatment.  Because PRS is a rare disease, ( Click the link to learn more about  Parry Romberg Syndrome .) there hasn't been much research or treatment history for this condition. We were so fortunate to find a doctor who happened to read an article about it, start some research and figure it out.  Beginning treatment at age 5 slowed the atrophy and scarring that characterizes most PRS patients. His symptoms and pain went into remission at age 5 with the treatment of steroids and low dose chemo. He went for nearly 4 years with check-ups and no medication. We were so thankful! The remission ended at when he was 9 with a stroke-like episode out ...

This week we are tackling all the toxins in our household products. A quick note. I will be using "toxins" instead of "chemicals" when discussing the bad things in our environment. Everything God made contains the elements from the Periodic Table of chemical elements. All natural things can be broken down or discussed in elemental form or as elemental compounds. The problem is not the chemical constituents in natural items, The problem is with synthetic toxins.  Giving up Bath & Bodyworks Japanese Cherry Blossom may seem cruel. It is your signature scent. Everyone knows you are in the room because of it. Many know you are there because they get an instant headache and their sinuses stuff up. That is what happens  when our bodies are subjected to synthetic scents.   Here is a blog I did in the past with lots of info on the dangers of synthetic toxins . I won't repeat everything here but check it out!  For our family, bec...

This fresh light spring roll helps me stay on track and in my daily points. The recipe is super easy! I make a bunch and pack them with parchment paper between so I can snack for days or take them for lunch.  Spring Roll Recipe (1-2 points each) Spring Roll Wrappers (1 point each) Broccoli Slaw (0 points) Cole Slaw salad mix (0 points) Grilled or boiled chicken (0 points) R ice vermicelli (optional, 1 point for about .5 oz) Cilantro (this can be left out for those who don't like it) Here you can see my set up at my parent's house. I always roll on a wooden cutting board. If you look closely, you can see I bought pre-cooked chicken strips, and bagged salad. Saved loads of time chopping and cooking. I keep a skillet with hot water to soften the wrappers and set up my ingredients to make it convenient. Working quickly, first precooked vermicelli noodles, then the slaw mixes, and a strip of chicken and one or two cilantro leaves. Try to keep...

I am loving the new FreeStyle options at Weight Watchers!  Poached eggs (0 points) are my new best friend. Especially when they sit on top of a low point English muffin (2 points), avocado (2 points), and tomato (0 points)! For 4 points this is my favorite breakfast when I need something hearty. Vegan Taco Soup (fast method) ZERO points 48 oz Vegetable Broth 1 medium onion diced 1-2 tablespoons minced garlic  1 can black beans (rinse until water runs clear 1 can pinto beans 1 can petite diced tomatoes 1 can Rotel tomatoes 1 can corn 1 Tbsp chili powder 1 tsp cumin salt and pepper to taste Warm the onion on medium-low heat in the bottom of your soup pot with a few tablespoons of broth. Mix in the garlic. Then add all other ingredients until warmed through. That's it! SO EASY! Jiffy Cornbread (no egg or oil) 4 points for 1/9th of a pan 1 box Jiffy mix 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce Mix together and bake according to the directi...

I posted recently about the Raindrop Roller and how we use it to keep above the wellness line. Today I want to share our other favorite product that promotes wellness, Inner Defense softgels. This simple supplement had been a mainstay in our house for a few years. If anyone starts to drop below the wellness line they get a softgel. Depending on what their fighting we take up to 3 a day. That combined with Thieves oil, and/or the Raindrop roller and we are back up to wellness in no time.  What is in it? How much does it cost?  If you are a wholesale member of Young Living it costs about 90¢ a softgel! If you really want a 1- 2 punch for wellness add the Life 9 probiotic and give your immune system a big boost! I have a child with a suppresses immune system who cannot have any over the counter meds or most prescriptions due to a drug interaction. If it weren't for the natural options he would have to live in a bubble. BUT, he doesn't. He d...

First of all, do you have loads of empty oil bottles? I do! Like over one hundred.  Below is one of the ways I am storing empties right now. I have a box full in the closet too! I share my love of Young Living with everyone. I try not to be annoying, it's just that Young Living has made such a difference in my family. I think everyone should know. What if it could help you?  I am constantly looking for new ideas on ways to share without being unfriended.  I saw a post by Sarah Harnish about her "little purple bags" and I thought I can do that ! So here is my version. The nice thing is when you do your own you can personalize it to who you are sharing with.  After letting them hang out in a bowl of Epsom salt. I clean them and remove the labels. To remove the labels I soap them in warm water with a tad of Thieves Household Cleaner. If there is any residue after that I use lemon oil.   Now they are ready to be filled with two capfuls of Th...

If you are in the essential oil world you know education is everything. You have to be willing to vet through a lot of information and testimonials. This is why classes are so important!  I try to give at least two classes a month. I would like to do more and if I can I will. Usually, classes are in-home but sometimes we need to pack up and take our class with us. This week I did a class the public library with my oily mentor.  I didn't get to go to the YL convention this year but she did. While she was gone I prepared the power point, made the door prizes, set up the event and promoted! She soaked up all the great information and bought the new products samples!  So only home a few days from her trip to Utah, we met at the library and did a new products class. Here is how it went down.                                          ...

Many essential oils are plants we eat already. So it isn't surprising to use them in our cooking. There are a few things to take into consideration first. Is it a pure oil with no additives of any kind? Does the company source its oils in a way that can guarantee there were no pesticides or other toxins introduced during the process of making the oil? Essential oils are extremely concentrated. One drop of oil can compare to gallons of the plant in taste and impact. True essential oils break down in heat. The easiest way to introduce oils into your diet is water. All the citrus oils, as well as peppermint, taste great in water. I know many add a drop of peppermint to their coffee or tea as well. Experiment!  The tried and true trick is the toothpick swirl for introducing oils into dishes like dips, salad dressings and so on. Just dip a toothpick tip in the oil and swirl in the food item you are creating. Like lemon into cream cheese for a cheesecake....