Health and Wellness - Page 5 of 6

How to make your own Organic Elderberry Syrup

October 1, 2018

The Fall and Winter months bring with them perfect Autumn weather followed by the Traditional Holiday Season that warms everyone’s soul. It also brings with it an abundance of Viral Infections such as the Common Cold, Influenza A and B, and many bacterial conditions secondary to their viral counterparts (ie. pneumonia or ear infection). There are a multitude of reasons why cold and flu season occurs every year at the same time, the most undeniable reason being the dramatic reduction of natural Vitamin D due to lack of exposure from the sun. We are also at higher risk being indoors and in closer contact and proximity of others which promotes the spreading of germs. There are also suggestions that cold either preserves germs more effectively on surfaces, as well as reduces our body’s ability to fight off infection. Regardless of the source, we all know the cold and flu season all too well. Viral infections are inevitable a few times a year, but we try to support the body to ensure they pass successfully. One of my favorite seasonal wellness tools is organic elderberry syrup. This syrup can markedly reduce the duration of infection.

* Disclosure: I am not a certified medical professional in the area of physical health care and suggest you discuss any and all treatment options with your own health care provider. My blog posts are meant to provide information and ideas so that you may gather information and continue your own personal research *

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Baby & Motherhood Health & Wellness

Natural Methods to Relieve Nausea during Pregnancy: My experience supported by evidence based studies

September 9, 2018

This is my second time around the block when it comes to pregnancy and BOTH my babies have come with incredible nausea lasting longer than the typical 12 week window. This time around was more intense, possibly due to the fact that I already have a very energetic tiny human to look after 24/7.. but the nausea hit me hard as it was around the clock.. all day, everyday, for 4.5 months. My last pregnancy I had moments in the day where the nausea would subside and while it lasted well into my 5th month, the breaks in the day where I felt normal again made it a little easier. The nausea has mostly subsided at this time in my pregnancy but I do experience days here and there up until delivery with the same pesky side effect. Any woman who has experienced this unpleasant bout of sickness knows how badly it can affect your day to day. It also leaves you feeling defeated and many times during my current pregnancy I felt it was impeding on my ability to keep up with caring for my three year old. Luckily, my little one was old enough to understand why Mom couldn’t walk to the park on certain days, or why I had to lay down while she played alongside me for the afternoon. Needless to say, I needed some relief. Between the two pregnancies I have found a small handful of remedies that worked for me. I was also able to back these up with studies which I’ve linked to below. If you’re struggling with nausea during your pregnancy, hopefully some of these tips will help you take the edge off.

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Food & Recipes Health & Wellness

A convenient one cup ceramic coffee maker + a recipe for coconut maple iced coffee:

August 10, 2018

Coffee is a love language and for some, a lifeline! Nothing makes the experience of coffee better than a perfectly smooth brewed cup. One of the things that has always been my pet peeve was that I didn’t want to make an entire pot if I only wanted one perfect cup of brewed coffee. I also avoid the plastic pod coffee machines (which may be convenient, but come with the extra waste for our Earth and are brewed with hot water through plastic pods). Sometimes I want just one conveniently brewed cup that tastes as good as it would if it came from a cafe.

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Green Beauty Health & Wellness

A Guide to Safe Natural Sun Protection + Natural & Cruelty Free Sunscreen Options

July 18, 2018

Sun safety is something that I have taken very seriously over the years following the rebellious sun worshiping days in my teens and early 20’s. Now being in my 30’s, I understand the damage I have done to my skin in the past while sun bathing irresponsibly. I have had my fair share of sunburns and am seeing the effects of sun bathing on my skin through fine lines and discolouration over the years. For many years I have been on the path to prevent any further damage and to try and reverse some damage done (not so easy to do). This article is a compilation of some of my favourite sun safety tips as well as mini reviews of many of the natural and cruelty free sunscreens I’ve tried over the years (some I love, some are okay.. I think it is important to keep an honest dialogue on which products work best, are safest, and my personal thoughts on them). I’ve included products that are multi-purpose, for face, for body, for children, for beach days (ie. waterproof), and for regular days where you don’t want to necessarily feel all greased up. To start off, I wanted to share some facts on sun care that I’ve learned over the years to help you along on your own sun safety research journey and to make your own informed choice when it comes to safe sun practices.

* This post includes some affiliate links. This means that any product purchased from my links will generate a small commission (At no extra cost to you). As always, I will only recommend brands that have passed my seal of approval and that I truly love.. these commissions help to cover Bloom + Clementine’s fees so that this website can stay alive and I can continue sharing my green beauty passion with you all. Thank you for supporting my little green space on the internet. *

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Green Beauty Health & Wellness

Moroccan Beldi Soap: Why its Different, How to Use It + Its Incredible Health Benefits

April 6, 2018

Body care is just as important as taking care of the skin on your face. Your skin is a literal pathway to everything inside of your body, so what you use to clean it matters. It should come as no surprise that I stick to natural products when it comes to my body but I rarely create a ritual out of it.. until lately . Jump in the shower, wash, jump out.. that used to be my everyday routine. I have since extended the extra TLC that I use on my face to the rest of my body as an extra form of self care with amazing results. My new routine consists of dry brushing (though I’m not exactly the most consistent with this), the Beldi soap ritual (which I will explain in a moment) and I have been consistent with applying either a body butter, body oil or wax after towelling off. I used to hate adding these extra steps as they “ate up time” in my day and its something I don’t have an abundance of since I made a tiny human.. but quite honestly, it has been transformational for my skin and for my mind.

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Health & Wellness

The Hidden Risks of Toxic Deodorants + 4 Natural Deodorants that Actually Work

January 18, 2018

Whether you’ve just dabbled, or you’re head over heels into green beauty, you have likely heard about the aluminum (amongst other harmful ingredients) lurking in your conventional deodorant stick. This is one of the worst culprits for health decay when it comes to hygiene for many reasons. My intention is never to use ‘scare tactics’ to promote natural living.. so while the information I provide on the effects of using conventional deodorant may be ‘off-putting’, I do think it is important to address the facts and the potential risks of using them. I am glad someone taught me this years ago, so I wanted to share with you some of the reasons I have strayed away from conventional brands of deodorant:

* This post includes affiliate links. This means that any product purchased from my links will generate a small commission (At no extra cost to you). As always, I will only recommend products that have passed my seal of approval and that I truly love.. these commissions help to cover Bloom + Clementine’s fees so that this website can stay alive and I can continue sharing my green beauty passion with you all. Thank you for supporting my little green space on the internet. *

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Health & Wellness

How to Detox your Underarms: A Simple + Effective 2 Ingredient Recipe

April 18, 2017

Switching to a natural lifestyle after years of using conventional products can be daunting, especially when you learn that even after switching over to the green side there can still be remnants of toxic ingredients that linger in your body in mass amounts. Using conventional deodorant is the perfect example of this. Most deodorants are filled with aluminum, among many other toxic ingredients, which wreak havoc on your entire system (and is well documented to cause breast cancer in women). Even after switching to a natural alternative there may still be side effects that occur when in the “transition period” and these can be prolonged if you don’t plan on helping your underarms with a detox treatment in the process. Many men and women find that they can’t get rid of the excess smell or they notice a red rash when they stop using their conventional brand. Both of these side effects can lead to men and women giving up on the entire idea of natural deodorants far too early when all they needed was a bit more time and a little extra underarm TLC. What does this all mean? In addition to switching to a natural deodorant, you should consider detoxing your armpits to draw out impurities and toxic remnants that are still present under your arms.

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Food & Recipes Health & Wellness

Vegan ‘Turmeric & Cinnamon’ Buddha Bowl Recipe

March 14, 2017

This dish is one that I came up with when I was in need of some extra antioxidants and proteins in my diet. I love quinoa salads and so I decided to get creative and incorporate protein rich quinoa & hemp hearts with some superfood vegetables and spices. This is a great option for lunch as it has all the important makings of a healthy meal: complex carbs, digestible protein, superfood worthy vegetables, antioxidants and fat burning spices. This recipe is vegan, gluten free and dairy free.. not to mention, super delicious! Hope you enjoy!

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Green Beauty Health & Wellness

How to Get Rid of Acne Naturally: The Oil Cleansing Method + My Top 5 Reccomendations

March 5, 2017

When I was a teenager, I carried the burden of the occasional break out. Something that no teenager wants to deal with but something that most experience (thanks a lot hormones). But nothing compared to the skin tornado that happened when I hit my early 20’s. This unfortunate breakout was partly due to ending my relationship with the Birth Control Pill and it took some serious shots at my self confidence. I literally tried everything in my power to tame the acne that had erupted all over my face but nothing was working. I went as far as taking the drug Accutane, which requires monthly blood tests to ensure your liver is processing it properly (yikes). While this “wonder drug” did give me clear skin for a year or so, eventually it came back and with a vengeance. I was at a loss of what to do and enlisted the help of my Naturopath who referred me to a holistic aesthetician. I am so grateful that I met this amazing woman for so many reasons and her knowledge of natural skin care is one of them. She started by assessing my skin and eventually came up with a skin care regime for me. This is what the regime looked like:

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Health & Wellness

12 Health Benefits of Diffusing Essential Oils & How to Choose a Diffuser

January 24, 2017

In the last five years or so there has been quite a buzz surrounding essential oils. They have gone mainstream, and while I am completely pro essential oil, I know that this big boom of popularity has come with its downfalls. This includes: the distribution of oils that are not as high quality as they are portrayed, the improper use of oils (including the advice to have your children ingest certain essential oils, yikes), or using oils in a way that destroys their quality or potency. Essential oils contain a plethora of health benefits, but whether or not you’re using them properly is what determines the level of benefits you’ll actually receive.

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