29 Gifts ~ Days 7 & 8 ~ Because you're special & Doing my small part

Day 7 ~ This gift goes out to all of you special people who take your precious time to read my blog and then go the extra mile to leave a comment letting me know you were here :-). Your thoughts are just so heart-lifting and I am so aware of the time it takes to read through the myriad of wonderful blogs and leave comments. I feel especially blessed when I am chosen to receive your words. I have turned off the Crazy Scrambled Word feature which will make commenting go a little smoother. Thank you again for the gift of your time and your comments.

Day 8 ~ This gift is for the Planet and for all animals that are saved from being lab subjects in the testing of health and beauty products. One of my 50@50 things to do is to make my home as toxin free as possible. I now use homemade products for cleaning my home; (vinegar, baking soda, lemon, peroxide, essential oils and water). I have replaced my hair care products with products that are manufactured by a company committed to protecting the environment and do not use animals in their testing. Today...I replaced my empty Neutrogena Healthy Defense daily moisturizer with Aveda's Tourmaline Charged Hydrating Creme.

Aveda's Mission Statement : Beauty is as Beauty Does

I can expand my contribution by supporting companies who are truly environmental leaders. There are many who claim to be environmentally friendly through slick advertising campaigns and yet they contain the same toxic ingredients and are testing in the same inhumane ways. Being aware of what I am purchasing and from whom is just a small part...and as the Dali Lama says something like: "Your contribution is insignificant, but it is important." And I thought about that for awhile. When we string together all of our contributions, it becomes quite significant :-)

{via}

Other Environmental Leaders in the Health and Beauty industry are Shaklee and Jane Iredale
(I am not paid to endorse any of the products I talk about :-).

Today I am grateful for:

1) The absolutely delicious homemade stuffed bell peppers my friend Candace gave me for dinner Monday evening. Yum!
2) My wonderful mentor and friend Marsena who graciously allows me to rent her beautiful office by the hour.
3) Farmers who really provide humane care for the animals they raise.

Here's a link to the 29 Gifts Website in case you want to check it out. Have a beautiful day! ~ Blessings, Janet

Because You're Worth It ~ Taking Care of You

Women are always so busy trying to be everything to everyone and we often see taking care of ourselves as selfish luxuries. We have allowed our children, spouses, and household chores to consume every waking moment in the day and every ounce of energy we have. We do not even take the time to evaluate how that may be doing more harm for our families than good. Think about this for a minute. If our children only see us taking care of them, or taking care of our husbands, or taking care of the house, are we not sending the message that when they reach adulthood, that growing up means taking care of everyone else except themselves? Neglecting your own self care also sends the message that you are not as important as others. Does this resonate with you?

If you're happy and you know it...

Taking time to care for yourself has so many benefits. Your sense well-being is enhanced when you build quality time for yourself into your life. Your sense of self-worth increases as you enjoy some focused self-care, Your energy level is elevated because your mood improves. Those are the psychological advantages. There are emotional advantages as well. You will enjoy more respect from your family and your relationships will improve. Softer skin, healthier hair, prettier hands and feet are all physical benefits. Another benefit of taking care of yourself is stress relief. When you look good, are well rested, well nourished, you feel good. And when you feel good, you are more equipped to handle life's daily stresses.

Just you and your rubber duck :-)

Do you build time in your daily or weekly round just for taking care of you? When was the last time you took a bubble bath? When was the last time you gave yourself a manicure, or soaked your tired tootsies in a nice warm bath? When was the last time you gave yourself a facial or a moisturizing hair treatment? When was the last time you took the time to look in your closet and make sure that you love everything in there?

Ahhh Can you feel the pebbles under your feet?

You may be thinking now, when could I possibly build that kind of time into my life. Here's the good news. It doesn't take that long. You don't have to have a bubble bath every week, or a full manicure, pedicure, or hair treatment for that matter. I take Sunday evenings, after all the days activity has settled and that's when I'll give myself a manicure or slip into a bubble bath. Because it is routine, my husband has built other activities in to his evening. We're both happy. You can do something similar. Just half an hour or forty-five minutes can make a world of difference. Can you imagine it? Great! Now imagine what you'll be teaching the kiddos too :-)

Does your closet need some attention?

If you have already built regular self-care into your life, I would love it if you would share it here. If you have not and are planning to, I would love to hear about that too. And if have any questions, please leave a comment or email me and I will be sure and offer any help that I can.