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Organic Health – Fresh Veggie Gardening

Dear Earth’s Enrichers!

????????????????????????????????The idea of all-natural and organic is starting to set in and become an emerging norm. Some families, plant their own vegetables to place on the table at dinner. In addition to growing vegetables, they have the option to grow herbs and spices. In starting a personal garden, you could have an endless supply of what you need to cook and what you use to season your food. Not to mention, it saves money!

Now, before we go any further, it is important to realize that planting your own personal garden is a lot different from foraging. Foraging is for the experts! If you are used to going to the grocery store and buying your produce, then foraging is not for you. Foraging is the ability to identify different plants as edible/non-poisonous, collect them, and prepare them in a way that is safe for the body to process.

Unless you are well trained and have an extensive amount of experience, it is not a good idea to pick plants that you personally did not grow. You could end up with a serious case of poisoning. All of the vegetables that were deemed beneficial and good for a human being to eat have a doppelganger. Doppelganger, in the sense that there are very dangerous plants that look almost the same as the safe ones. There are slight differences in the plants that trained foragers or botanists are able to see. This protects them from making the wrong choice and they also know how to prepare certain edibles properly.

However, if you lack the foraging skills, planting a personal garden can help you have those fresh organic vegetables without possible detrimental outcomes. It could also help you save money on groceries and spices/herbs. Now, if you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry. There are starter packets that can provide you with all the info and “how to do’s” of organic gardening.

Starting a vegetable garden maybe a fun hobby for the summer. It will take some care and patience but it has superb benefits that are financial, recreational, and healthy. This way you know you are making a healthy decision for your family.

The EE 411:

Gardening Tips & Benefits

When first beginning to garden, it is important to keep a few things in mind:
• Find or designate a place with less to no contaminates like run-off pollution, animal excretions, or pests.
• Study and research the kind of vegetable plants you want to have in your garden and determine their proper environment.
• Find a good starter kit that suits your needs like an herb or vegetable starter.
• Look for fertilizers, plant food, and potting soils that have the right nutrients and lack harsh chemicals.
• Patience and water are key.

Having a garden to plant your own produce has benefits. For Example:
• Store-bought organic vegetables can be very hard on the wallet/pocketbook; gardens can reduce the cost of having this healthier option.
• Extra handling that comes from the transportation of the produce to its destination like to the market, or the warehouse is eliminated.
• Gardening gives you something to do with your family a memorable hobby you can all share and enjoy the end product together at the dining table.

Here are some awesome websites to help you get started:
Organic GardeningBeginner’s Guide to Organic Gardening
Good House KeepingOrganic Gardening Tips

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

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Hair Health – The Rate Hair Grows

 

Hey Earth’s Enrichers!

Every once in a while we feature a post from another blog which peaks our interest and that we think may peak yours as well.  This week’s blog was created by Natural Nicole and it provides you with great information regarding hair growth and hair loss.  We hope that you enjoy it!

Our hair usually grows at least six inches a year but it could grow more than six inches a year when you factor in DNA and your diet.  This means the average rate of hair growth in a month is ½ inch per month, which means our hair is constantly growing!

Three major things can have a negative effect on how our hair grows and can cause it to slow down they are: 

1. Medications 

2. Stress 

3. Unhealthy Diet 

4. Sleep Deprivation 

If you notice your hair is not growing or the rate of growth has slowed down look into the things listed above and try to work on that area. 

Ways you can prevent breakage or hair loss is by implementing the following:

1. Eat Healthy 

2. Cut back on your caffeine intake 

3. Don’t over use heat 

4. Make sure to massage your scalp 

5. Be gentle when combing your hair

6. Make sure to deep condition your hair 

7. Avoid protein overload 

8. Get your ends trimmed 

9. Don’t over condition your hair 

10.Use a Sulfate Free Shampoo 

11.Wear Protective Styles 

12.Always wear a satin bonnet to bed

13.Don’t braid your hair tight

14.Try and keep your hands out of your hair in other words don’t play in your hair 

15. Seal in the Moisture with a good oil and keep your hair moisturized

I think that you will have a healthy hair journey with a successful growth rate if you take heed to the things I listed above! 

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

Until Next time! 

Stay Encouraged

 

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Sugar Scrub – Revitalizing Sugar Scrubs

 

Hey Earth’s Enrichers

Sugar Scrub - Revitalizing Sugar ScrubsThe countdown has begun! It’s a few more weeks till summer begins! Is your skin ready? Or did you let the harsh winter win over your skin? No worries, Earth’s Enrichers there are three new sugar scrubs to help revitalize, moisturize, cleanse, and bring back your skin’s natural glow. Not to mention, leaving you feeling refreshed and smelling great. Please welcome Calming Spa Seaweed, Lavender of the Valley, and Lemon Fresh Shea sugar scrubs. For those of you who haven’t really used sugar scrubs and have sensitive skin, this week’s blog is for you.

What are Sugar Scrubs and why use them?

Sugar scrubs are a sweet and sensational way to exfoliate. They are cleansers equipped with sugar crystal that are designed to gently exfoliate the skin. Exfoliating is the process before bathing or rinsing that gets rid of all the dead skin. This helps to make your bathing experience a lot more efficient. Dead skin only inhibits the soap from doing its job properly and stops it from deep cleansing. Exfoliating helps remove this barrier of dead skin and allows your bathing experience to be more effective.

What are the benefits of Sugar Scrubs?

Using sugar scrubs effectively helps you remove the dead skin that may otherwise be difficult to wash away. Exfoliating the dead skin helps your soap or cleanser do its job efficiently. The end result of this is glowing, soft, smooth, and refurbished skin.

Sugar Scrubs not only remove dead skin, but also help draw out impurities or toxins in the skin. They can be used on all of the external skin of the body. It allow for a deeper clean that does not chemically put your skin in danger. They moisturize and buffer the skin, restoring its natural glow and smoothness.

How to use them?

Sugar scrub can be applied by rubbing into the skin with your hands, a wash cloth, or for a more effective result, with a hard bathing utensil like loofa or body scrub brush. There is no need to apply an extensive amount of pressure or scrub ferociously. Lightly pressing is sufficient to remove dead skin and clear the way for the soap.

You may use the sugar scrub in your bath or while you are in the shower usually scrubbing in a gentle, circular motion. After you have finished scrubbing, gently rinse the sugar off your skin with your hands or a scrubbing utensil. Then proceed with the rest of your bath.

Depending on your body as we always say knowing your body is the way to keep it healthy it can be used on any external surface and sensitive skin. If you detect any lasting redness, welting, or irritation of any kind, contact a professional. It could be allergies or you may have scrubbed too hard. It’s always important to find out from your doctor.

The EE 411:

Before I continue on to the precautions of using sugar scrubs, we’d like to tell you what exactly is in our sugar scrubs. Since each sugar scrub has its own unique scent, we have boiled; It down to this: certified organic oils, powders, and sugars made from natural, organic elements. Each sugar scrub contains sunflower oil which is great for helping skin regenerate and reducing scars. It has the appropriate amount of Vitamin A, D, and E for your skin. Another ingredient is coconut oil that aids in relieving rashes and irritated skin. It also prevents drying and flaking of the skin.

As for special benefits for specific sugar scrubs, rosemary mint in Calming Spa Seaweed helps to relieve itchy and irritated skin; while also clearing up any nasal or respiratory discomfort. Lemon Fresh Shea’s special ingredients like Lemongrass can help prevent skin infections and fight fungus on the skin. Lavender of the Valley has organic lavender that acts as a great relaxant, remedy for stress, and is an effective cleanser. When you have time, check out all the other benefits of these sugars. Discover which one is your favorite.

There are a lot of benefits in the sugar as well. The certified organic sugar in the sugar scrubs exfoliates the skin and acts as a moisturizer. While it moisturizes, it breaks down any toxins and removes any dead skin. However, there are a few precautions when using sugar scrubs or any scrubs for that matter. Do not use on already irritated skin, this means if your skin is welted and very sensitive (consult your doctor) it may not be prudent to use scrubs on that area. Or on any open wounds. Also, if you have sun burn, do not exfoliate—imagine a carpet burn. Remember, keep what’s good for you in mind.

Share with Us: Do you use sugar scrubs? How do you use them?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

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Health Lifestyle – Daily Health: Sunlight

 

Hey Earth’s Enrichers

Free Happy Woman Enjoying Nature. Beauty Girl Outdoor. Freedom cHow are your everyday health activities coming along? Have you been getting enough water, food & nourishment, and physical activity? It’s harder than it sounds, huh? Well, we have one more ingredient to healthy living. This ingredient will complete your basic daily health prescription.

Your body requires certain things to help it get through the day and maintain a balance of good health. Without these things, it could produce small signs which are messages or SOS signals, if you will, from your body saying it needs them. So your body’s basic needs boils down to sleep, food or nourishment, physical activity, sun, and water.  This week our topic will be sunlight.

The sun is a very important factor in your daily life, even on rainy days. It provides us with key nutrients that are great for our everyday health. These nutrients come from the UVB rays that come from the sun. These rays are present even when you cannot physically see the sun.

The sun is our primary source of Vitamin D. It is not the sun directly that makes the Vitamin D for us. It is our body’s reaction with the UVB rays. Vitamin D helps regulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorous into the body. It also helps regulate the immune system. Another reason why Vitamin D is so important is for bone development. It helps build strong bones and teeth, and helps osteoporosis or osteomalacia.

Another aspect of sunlight is your mood. Some researchers have discovered that sunlight can brighten your day. With the reduction of sunlight, a person can develop anxiety, depression, stress, and low energy. When an individual retains the right amount of sun or vitamin D3 it helps reduce anxiety, stress, and depression.   

Also, being in the sun feels great! It’s spring time, finally, turning into summertime. You will have plenty of opportunities to be in the sunlight! It is important, however, to be careful.  Safety is always first. Make sure you know how much sun your skin can handle and find a sunscreen that is good enough for you. Also, if you are having a problem absorbing Vitamin D, see your doctor. A professional can help you figure out what is best for your body.

The EE 411:

Environmental factors that can impede Vitamin D absorption are:

  • Incorrect use of sunscreen
  • Pollution
  • Longer periods spent inside
  • Also, not eating enough foods with Vitamin D

Ways to get some sun/Vitamin D are:

  • When you are inside, find a window and sit by it. Get some sun by any means necessary.
  • Walk for a little while outside, whether it’s to get lunch or walk the dog.
  • Use sunscreen wisely, that protects from harmful UV rays, while still allowing you to have the nutrients necessary.
  • Having trouble, ask a professional for advice and/or take a vacation at the beach. 🙂

Share with Us: What is your favorite way or means of getting some sun?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

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Healthy Lifestyle – Daily Health: Physical Activity

 

Dear Earth’s Enrichers

Active Fitness Word Cloud CollageYes, we said it—physical activity! Do you know what it is? Some of you are thinking exercise. A full work out for a certain amount of time, which can target certain areas of the body. Relax—this is not what we mean; although setting aside time during your week to exercise is an extra plus.

Physical activity is incorporating exercise-like activities into your every day schedule. For instance, biking to and from work. Or if you catch the bus and there is some walking involved, power walk the little distance you have to go. Even something as simple as maintaining your posture while you sit at work can be a part of daily physical activity. 

Your body requires certain things to help it get through the day and maintain a balance of good health. Without these things, it could produce small signs which are messages or SOS signals, if you will, from your body saying it needs them. So your body’s basic needs boils down to sleep, food or nourishment, physical activity, sun, and water.  This week our topic will focus on physical activity.

These modern times come with every convenience. When you go to the mall or market there is always the option of parking close to your destination so you don’t have to walk far. Leave those close up parking spots for individuals that need them! Take a parking lot challenge and park farther away from the door, that way you incorporate extra activity in your day.

If you drive to work and you happen to be within good time, find a parking space that is just out of the way. Do something new for your body! When working out or exercising, it is important not to let your body get too comfortable with the work out. The same applies for physical activity- switch it up.

If you have a job that requires you to sit on a daily basis, it is important for you to look after your health. If you find yourself getting tired or your back is hurting, stand up and do some stretches. You know a little in-office yoga. Not only is it good for your muscles and joints, but it helps oxygen flow through the body. This helps to refresh and energize it.

Also, when sitting your posture is important.  Good posture can help prevent tension in your back and lower back muscles. It is also great for your core/abs. Having bad posture means you do not use your core strength appropriately. Your abs and core help maintain your posture and utilizing those abs actually can help you burn calories. How do you like them apples?

All in all, give your body something physically new to look forward to in a day. If you usually walk to work, put a little pep in your step or bike there. Also, stretch constantly throughout the day; it makes you feel better. Work on your core while sitting in the office or during a meeting. Little tips like these help increase your body’s health and fitness over time.

The EE 411: Physical Activities

When in the office:

  • Stretch
  • Occasionally stand while you’re working
  • Bring a yoga ball with you to work to sit on instead of your chair
  • While sitting, stretch one leg and then the other

At the mall:

  • Instead of the escalator take the stairs (same goes with the elevator)
  • Power walk between stores. (Don’t do it to the point where you look silly J)
  • Park farther away than the door.
  • Walk around the mall for fun

On the commute:

  • If you can walk or ride a bike please do so
  • During your lunch break, walk somewhere healthy

At home:

  • Stretch while watching TV
  • Instead of sitting in chairs sit on the Yoga ball
  • Instead of letting the dog out, take him/her  for a walk.
  • Play with your children outside

There are many things you could do to incorporate physical activity into your daily life. There is a way of doing it so that it does not interfere with your day. These were just a few suggestions. Know what your body needs and look up or chose physical activity that works best for you. 

Share with Us: What kind of physical activity do you do daily?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

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Healthy Lifestyle – Daily Heath: Food and Nourishment

 

Dear Earth’s Enrichers

Large health food selection in white porcelain bowls and dishesImagine your alarm clock goes off, you snooze it, and about 20 minutes later you are late for work! Your supposedly calm morning routine is completely compromised! Now, you have to get up, and get yourself together. For those of you who have kids, that means waking them up, getting them ready, preparing their breakfast, grabbing everything they need. By the time you get them to school or yourself to work, you have not eaten. Did you grab anything along the way? Nope!

The first meeting of your day begins, your coworker addresses you and in a return greeting your stomach answers with a grumble. In a situation like this, you have two options: (1) find a quick snack or (2) wait for lunch. When you can’t find a snack, you wait for lunch. Then what if something comes up for lunch like you forgot to bring it and you left your wallet at home. What’s next, dinner?

Your body requires certain things to help it get through the day and maintain a balance of good health. Without these things, it could produce small signs which are messages or SOS signals, if you will, from your body saying it needs them. So your body’s basic needs boils down to sleep, food or nourishment, physical activity, sun, and water. This week our topic will be food and nourishment.

The common knowledge about meals is that there should at least be three: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is a convenient way to split up the meals you are supposed to eat in a day. You know, once in the morning, once at noon or in the afternoon, and then again in the evening. It’s an even three way split; however, due to some individuals’ schedules, this may be a hard thing to do.

If all else fails, the most important meal of the day really is breakfast. Think of it this way, in that earlier scenario, if the individual had grabbed one or two things for breakfast, they wouldn’t have to wait for lunch or scavenge for a snack. But what if you are in a hurry? Well, hide a snack stow it away. Place one in your glove department, or have some at work just in case you forget. It can always come in handy.

Another aspect of food and nourishment you should consider, over the long term, is the food groups you are consuming. Did you know there is an average serving of each food group you are supposed to have in a day? Can you imagine how great you would feel?

Eating the right amounts of food and incorporating the appropriate food groups into your diet can increase productivity. It can boost energy, which is why the body consumes carbohydrates. It increases brain function because the brain uses fats or fatty acids to help it work. Proteins help rebuild and support muscle growth and recovery after working out.

Eating and preparing the appropriate amount for each foods category helps your body naturally create those elements you need. Finding natural foods, without GMO’s or artificial chemical enhancers makes for better and healthier nutrition. Supplements such as pills or vitamins are not always the best way to get these nutritional factors.

If you are having trouble getting the appropriate nutrition, see a professional and if they prescribe supplements use with impeccable adherence to the instructions given to you by the doctor. Remember, too much of a good thing can be negative. If you over use vitamins or supplements, you could end up poisoning the body or overworking a major body system. It is very important that you know your body and get it what it needs and deserves. 

The EE 411: Food and Nourishment Tips

ChooseMyPlate  is a great website that can help you plan your meals so that you can incorporate the correct food groups and understand the importance of them.

At the top of the website there are several tabs you can choose from, from MyPlate to Healthy Eating Tips. When you select “MyPlate” it gives you a list of food groups:

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Grains
  • Proteins
  • Dairy
  • Oils

When you select one of the food groups there are at least six questions that sort the appropriate information.  Selecting the link “How much is needed?” will give you a brief description and provide a link to the nutritional contents of the food in each group.

This websites also gives a list of what different types of food are a part of that category. This will provide you with a variety of options, so you don’t get bored with the same foods.

As for some short-term tips:

  • Eating at least three times a day is ideal
  • Snacking all day is not a problem just pick the healthier choices
  • Always eat breakfast
  • Stow away snacks just in case you forget or miss a meal
  • Eat your vegetables *you know who you are*
  • Incorporate the different food groups into your meals
  • Check out what your ideal plat should look like

Share with Us: Identify your least favorite food group. How can you improve your consumptions of this food group?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

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Natural Skin Care – Make up Tips

 

 

Hey Earth’s Enrichers!

Natural Skin Care - Make Up TipsMakeup is the now-a-days daily necessity. Everyone tends to wear it and there is nothing wrong with that. Makeup is used to accent one’s beauty, although, it does make one beautiful. It helps make qualifying features stand out and the not so favorite features seem invisible. Makeup is a part of the modern way to present oneself, whether it is onset for television, a business meeting, a night on the town, or sharing a great dinner with loved ones on Thanksgiving.

Even though there is nothing wrong with using make up, there are some aspects of using it to keep in mind.  It is very important to take care of your skin when using makeup. This means washing your face before you put on the makeup and washing it before you go to bed. The reason why you wash your face before you put it on is so that you get rid of all the sleep, drool, or any dead skin you shed while sleeping—this would include whatever makeup left over from the day before. Going to sleep with makeup on is a no, no. Not only does it mess up your linens, but it can clog your pores and cause you to break out. Sweating while having on makeup can also cause clogged pores which leads to break outs.  

To prevent break outs while using makeup, other than washing your face, don’t overdo it and layer your makeup.  It makes it harder to remove and locks up all the germs that your face encounters during the day. Of course, it takes some considerable effort to put makeup on, so when you sweat there are some ways to help you without wiping off your make up. Innovators have created dry wipes, which are basically tissue paper, to blot your face when sweating. It keeps from smudging makeup while lessening the amount of dirt that may get trapped in your pores.  

Makeup can contain ingredients that can break you out as well. The most common of these ingredients are fragrances, and oils. Also, make sure you know your skin, and any particular ingredient you’re allergic to. Makeup can also cause acne. So, look for makeup that contain less oil, is dedicated to being acne free, and has natural ingredients without added fragrances. Practice safe skin! That way you can avoid the chances of breaking out and still enhance your natural beauty. 

The EE 411:

How do you know you’ve broken out or had an allergic reaction?

When your skin starts to feel warm, inflamed, and it begins to itch, swell, or burn, it may be time to see a dermatologist. If it persists, it could create blisters (from scratching or skin sensitivity).   It’d be best to tackle the problem before blisters occur.

What are some cosmetic contributions to skin irritations?

  • Irritant Contact Dermatitis- itching and burning caused by a makeup product
  • Allergic Contact Dermatitis- allergy to ingredients in makeup resulting in blisters, itching, and swelling.
  • Acne Cosmetica-  Acne caused by cosmetics

What to look for in cosmetics?

  • Makeup that doesn’t clog your pores
  • Nonallergenics
  • Makeup dedicated to not causing acne

Share with Us: What are some of your make-up tips?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

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Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast Cancer AwarenessHey Earth’s Enrichers!

As you probably all know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.   This is to honor all of those who have survived breast cancer, died from breast cancer, and are currently fighting breast cancer. This is for the mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers who have dealt with breast cancer in some way in their lives. This is the month that amplifies the stories, that brings awareness not just to the disease, but to the people.

One of the most important aspects about this month is reminders of ways to try to prevent the risks of breast cancer– to stay ahead of it, and practice good health. We at Earth’s Enrichments want to promote the idea of healthy living and that doesn’t just mean taking good care of your skin. It means keeping up with your doctor’s appointments and mammograms so that you’re ready for whatever may come your way.

Remember, be careful with the products you use, especially products that use chemicals that may be connected to cancers.  It is better to be safe now than sorry later. 

The EE 411: The Preemptive Strike against Breast Cancer

Here are a few things you can do to keep yourself healthy and stay ahead of breast cancer risks:

Eat healthy foods and be physically active; these things help you to prevent obesity and being overweight, which can be risk factors for breast cancer. Avoid drinking too much alcohol and smoking; these could also increase the risk of breast cancer.  Be careful with hormones and hormone therapies that may be used to treat symptoms of menopause, for example.   If misused over the course of three years or more, these treatments could also increase the risk of breast cancer. Last, but certainly not least, try to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure, and environmental pesticides and pollutants. 

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!)